Spicy Dragon Chicken with Crunchy Cashews

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew recipe! Packed with a fiery blend of cayenne pepper, chili powder, Asian chili sauce, and paprika, this dish promises a perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Imagine tender strips of chicken coated in a crispy layer, tossed in a luscious sauce that will have your taste buds dancing in delight.

Originating from the vibrant Indo-Chinese cuisine landscape, Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew is a dish that never fails to impress. I still remember the first time I savored this delectable creation at a quaint eatery in Bangalore – the sticky, spicy kick left an indelible mark on my palate. Recreating it at home has become a cherished tradition, especially when I’m in the mood for something truly exhilarating.

And let’s not forget the unsung hero of this dish – the cashews! These crunchy nuggets not only add a delightful texture but also bring a nutty richness that ties the whole ensemble together. Whether you’re serving it over steamed rice, nestled in lettuce wraps, or alongside pickled cucumbers, Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew is a flavor bomb that promises to steal the show at any gathering. Get ready to wow your guests and make this recipe a staple in your culinary repertoire!

Quick Benefits

• Bold and Crispy: Achieve a bold, crispy texture in less than an hour with the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and crunch.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with chicken breast for a leaner option or swap in tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Family Favorite: The combination of flavors, especially with the addition of cashews, makes this dish a hit with friends and family.
• Easy to Customize: Mix up the veggies for variety and crunch, or make it gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Dragon Chicken with Crunchy Cashews Recipe

• Bold, Crispy, and Saucy: This dish offers a perfect mix of bold flavors, crispy chicken, and a saucy texture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
• Family Favorite: A beloved recipe that is perfect for family meals, gatherings, or to impress friends with its sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements.
• Cashew Crunch: The toasted cashews add a delightful crunch to the dish, elevating the overall taste and texture with each bite.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with ingredient swaps like tofu, peanuts, or chickpeas for different dietary preferences or to suit what you have in your pantry.
• Easy to Store and Freeze: Perfect for meal prepping as the leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for future quick and delicious meals.
• Cultural Fusion: Reflects the fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors, making it a unique and exciting dish that is perfect for celebrations or cozy family dinners.
• Adaptable for Seasons: Swap in seasonal veggies to keep the recipe fresh and exciting throughout the year, offering variety and a burst of flavors.
• Wow Factor: A recipe that is easy to make yet impresses with its complex flavors, making it a go-to dish for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients for Spicy Dragon Chicken with Crunchy Cashews

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

For Coating

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

For Frying

• 1/4 cup canola oil, plus more as needed

For the Sauce

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup

For Assembly

• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• 1/2 medium white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Pro Tips for Spicy Dragon Chicken with Crunchy Cashews

To make a delicious Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew, ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. The thighs stay moist and tender when fried, providing a perfect contrast to the crispy outer layer.

For an extra crispy texture on your chicken, make sure to coat the chicken strips in a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch before frying in hot oil. This will create a crunchy exterior that holds up well to the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to customize your Dragon Chicken by adding a variety of vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for added crunch and color. You can also make the dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and opting for approved gluten-free flours for the coating mix.

How to Make Spicy Dragon Chicken with Crunchy Cashews

Step 1: Prepare Marinade and Chicken

Combine egg, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Sauce

Combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, oyster sauce, Asian chili sauce, black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Whisk until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken

Combine flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and chili powder in a large resealable bag. Add marinated chicken strips and shake to coat evenly.

Step 4: Fry Chicken

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/4 cup of canola oil. Cook coated chicken strips in batches for 4 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toast Cashews

Toast cashews in a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and spotted. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 6: Stir Fry Vegetables

In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and red bell pepper; stir fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 7: Simmer Sauce

Whisk the sauce and pour into the skillet with vegetables. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 8: Combine and Finish

Lower heat to medium. Combine fried chicken and toasted cashews in the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in sauce and heat through. Top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew dish, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, if you are making the dish ahead of time, it is recommended to keep the sauce and chicken separate to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. When reheating, warm the dish on a skillet over medium heat for the best flavor. If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before freezing in single meal portions. Thaw the frozen dish overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture.

To enhance the dish or accommodate different preferences, there are several variations and serving suggestions provided. For instance, chicken breast can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option, though thighs are recommended for a juicier and more flavorful outcome. Additionally, various vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or broccoli can be added to the dish for extra crunch and flavor. To make the dish gluten-free, tamari can be substituted for soy sauce and approved flours can be used for the coating mix. These adaptations allow for personalization and dietary considerations while still enjoying the bold flavors of the Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a leaner option, chicken breast can be used instead of chicken thighs in this Dragon Chicken recipe. While chicken breast may be less juicy, it provides a lighter alternative. To maintain juiciness, ensure not to overcook the chicken breast when frying.

To cater to dietary restrictions, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and selecting gluten-free flours for the coating mix. This substitution allows individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this flavorful dish without compromising on taste or texture.

For added crunch and variety, consider incorporating different vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or broccoli alongside the red bell peppers and onions. These vegetables not only bring a variety of textures to the dish but also enhance its nutritional profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables to personalize this Dragon Chicken recipe to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew dish, consider serving it in a fun way by assembling Dragon Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Fill large lettuce leaves with a generous scoop of the flavorful chicken and cashew mixture, top with toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh and light twist on this bold and saucy dish. These wraps make for a great appetizer or main course option, perfect for a casual gathering or family dinner.

For a creative fusion dish, try incorporating the Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew into a hearty Dragon Chicken Fried Rice. Simply stir fry the chicken and vegetable mixture into cooked jasmine or basmati rice, adding an extra drizzle of the savory sauce for added flavor. Top with a fried egg, sprinkle with additional cashews, and finish with a squeeze of lime for a satisfying and flavorful meal that combines the best of Indo-Chinese cuisine in every bite.

FAQs for Spicy Dragon Chicken with Crunchy Cashews

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and swapping approved gluten-free flours for the coating mix.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option, but keep in mind that thighs stay juicier and more flavorful when fried.

What are the key ingredients that provide the spicy flavor in this dish?

The spicy flavor in this dish comes from cayenne pepper, chili powder, Asian chili sauce, and paprika, which are balanced by honey and ketchup.

What are some other vegetables I can add to this dish for variety?

In addition to red bell peppers and onions, you can also add carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for variety and extra crunch in this dish.

Conclusion

Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew has a way of delighting both the cook and those lucky enough to savor it. The perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors makes it a standout dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time.

Experiment with different vegetables or protein options to suit your preferences and make it your own. The versatility of Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew allows you to get creative in the kitchen and tailor it to your liking. So, don’t hesitate to make this dish a regular feature on your menu and watch it become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy the culinary adventure with Dragon Chicken Spicy Cashew!