Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Name: Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 450 grams boneless chicken thighs, sliced about 1.25 cm thick; 2.5 millilitres paprika; 2.5 millilitres garlic powder; 1 egg; 2.5 millilitres onion powder; 2.5 millilitres cayenne pepper; 15 millilitres reduced sodium soy sauce; 2.5 millilitres ground ginger; 7 grams chili powder; Canola or vegetable oil, as needed for frying; 60 grams plain flour; 30 grams cornstarch; 30 millilitres oyster sauce; 15 millilitres Chinkiang (Chinese black) vinegar; 60 millilitres reduced sodium soy sauce; 7.5 millilitres cornstarch; 22–30 millilitres Asian chili sauce; 60 millilitres ketchup; 15 millilitres toasted sesame oil; 45 millilitres honey; 15 millilitres fresh ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, thinly cut; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 130 grams unsalted cashews; 1/2 white onion, sliced thin; 15 millilitres vegetable oil or peanut oil; Green onions, sliced thin (for garnish); Plenty of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: August 13, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction to Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Welcome, fellow food lovers! If you’re searching for a vibrant dish to spice up your weeknight dinners, let me introduce you to Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken. This fiery delight doesn’t just bring heat; it also wraps your taste buds in a symphony of flavors. Imagine crispy chicken thighs dancing in a tangy sauce, mingling with roasted cashews—pure magic! Perfect for busy moms or professionals, it’s quick to whip up yet impressive enough to wow your family and friends. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together and make mealtime something to look forward to!

Why You’ll Love This Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

This dish is incredibly easy to make, perfect for those hectic weeknights when time runs short. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour! The flavorful combination of spices, crispy chicken, and crunchy cashews creates an explosion of taste with every bite. Not to mention, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Your family will love it, and you’ll revel in the compliments!

Ingredients in Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Now, let’s gather everything we need for this delightful dish! Here’s a glimpse of the star players that make up Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy, tender, and perfect for frying. Chicken thighs offer more flavor compared to breast meat.
Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
Garlic Powder: For that aromatic punch, garlic powder enhances the savory elements without overpowering the dish.
Egg: This is crucial for marinating. It helps bind the coating to the chicken, leading to a beautifully crispy finish.
Onion Powder: Another flavor booster, it adds depth to the seasoning mix.
Cayenne Pepper: If you love heat, this will give your dish that fiery kick! Adjust it based on your spice tolerance.
Soy Sauce: Reduced sodium soy sauce keeps things on the lighter side while delivering umami goodness.
Ground Ginger: A lovely earthy taste that complements the other spices, ginger also adds warmth to the dish.
Chili Powder: To round out the seasoning, it boosts the heat and adds a beautiful red hue.
Flour and Cornstarch: This dynamic duo is essential for a crunchy coating that locks in moisture.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile—an Asian staple!
Chinkiang Vinegar: For a tangy twist, it’s perfect for balancing flavors. You can swap it with balsamic and rice vinegar if needed.
Asian Chili Sauce: This is where the magic happens with heat and flavor. Adjust according to taste.
Ketchup: You might be surprised, but it lends sweetness and balances the spices beautifully.
Toasted Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor that elevates the overall dish.
Honey: A touch of sweetness helps to balance the heat, making every bite compelling.
Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger packs a punch and adds a refreshing taste that can’t be beaten!
Red Bell Pepper: For a splash of color and a sweet crunch, red bell peppers offer a nice texture contrast.
Garlic Cloves: You can’t have too much garlic! Fresh garlic ramps up the flavor profile.
Unsalted Cashews: These nutty gems add crunch and richness—totally essential in this dish.
White Onion: Sliced thin for tenderness, it amplifies flavors in the sauté.
Green Onions: These are for garnishing, adding a fresh herbal touch to finish off the dish.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: A delightful final touch that adds crunch and visual appeal.

You’ll find exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for your convenience when you’re ready to whip this up!

How to Make Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To begin your spicy journey, marinating the chicken is crucial. Not only does it infuse flavors deep into the meat, but it also tenderizes it. Start by cracking an egg into a mixing bowl, then add soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk the mixture until everything is combined, and add the sliced chicken thighs. Make sure they are well-covered in the marinade. Let it sink in for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Trust me, that time is essential for an explosion of flavor!

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

Now, let’s create that irresistible, crunchy coating! In a zip-top bag, combine flour, cornstarch, and chili powder. This trio is the secret to crispy chicken that locks in moisture while frying. Remove the marinated chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel—this step prevents the coating from becoming soggy. Add the chicken to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake until every piece is evenly coated. A good coating is key to that satisfying crunch we all love in Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Time to work some frying magic! In a large nonstick frying pan, heat about 60 ml of oil over medium-high heat. Be sure the oil is hot enough; a drop of water should sizzle when added. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels. This not only rids it of excess oil but keeps each piece crisp and delicious. You’ll be yearning to dig in!

Step 4: Toast the Cashews

Next up, let’s toast the cashews for an extra flavor boost! In a dry cast iron pan over medium heat, add your raw cashews. Stir them frequently until they’re golden brown and you see lovely brown spots. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Toasting cashews enhances their flavor, making them aromatic and nutty. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside. Your cashew crunch is about to join the party!

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

Since we want to keep all those lovely colors and textures, let’s sauté the veggies! Using the same skillet, drizzle in a bit of oil and add sliced onions and red bell peppers. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes until they’re looking tender. Then, toss in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds. This will infuse the skillet with fantastic aromas and ensure your vegetables are cooked to perfection—soft yet still vibrant!

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Now it’s time to unite all these fantastic elements with a delicious sauce! In a separate bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, reduced sodium soy sauce, Asian chili sauce, ketchup, honey, and sesame oil until smooth. This sauce will be the glue holding your Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken together. Once the veggies are sautéed, pour the sauce into the skillet and stir until it bubbles and thickens just a minute or so. The rich and tangy sauce is where all the flavor magic happens!

Step 7: Combine Everything

Finally, let’s bring this masterpiece to life! Add the crispy fried chicken and toasted cashews to the skillet, tossing everything together until each piece is generously coated in that luscious sauce. Remove it from the heat, allowing the flavors to mingle. For the finishing touch, serve this beauty immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Your Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience! Enjoy every crunchy, spicy bite.

Tips for Success

Always marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes; it enhances flavor and tenderness.
Heat your oil properly to achieve that beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; this allows the chicken to cook evenly.
Toast your cashews just before adding to the dish for maximum flavor.
Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color!

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl: A sturdy alternative is a deep plate.
Zip-top bag: You can also use a large bowl for coating the chicken.
Nonstick frying pan: A cast iron skillet works great too!
Cast iron pan: Any dry skillet can be used for toasting cashews.
Whisk: A fork can do the trick if you’re in a pinch!

Variations of Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Marinate and fry just like the chicken for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Gluten-Free Version: Ensure any sauces and coatings are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of traditional flour.
Extra Heat: Add chopped fresh chilies or increase the amount of cayenne and Asian chili sauce for those who crave fiery flavors.
Peanut Lovers: Use roasted peanuts in place of cashews for a different nutty taste and extra crunch.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Serving Suggestions for Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a fluffy and fragrant pairing.
Pair with a crisp cucumber salad dressed in sesame oil for refreshing contrast.
A glass of chilled white wine complements the dish beautifully.
Top with sliced avocados for extra creaminess!
Present it on a colorful platter garnished with herbs for a stunning look.

FAQs about Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Cooking can sometimes raise questions, so here are some common ones I often hear about this delicious Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they may not be as juicy as thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, cooking them until they are no longer pink.

How can I reduce the spiciness of the dish?

If you’re not a fan of heat, consider reducing the amount of cayenne pepper and Asian chili sauce. You can also serve it with a side of creamy yogurt or sour cream, which helps tone down the spice.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead! Marinate the chicken the night before, and keep the sauce and veggies ready to go. Just fry the chicken and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Is Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken gluten-free?

Indeed it is! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your other sauces are gluten-free as well. Gluten-free options for flour and cornstarch ensure a smooth cooking experience.

What should I serve with Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or a refreshing cucumber salad. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water adds the perfect finishing touch!

Final Thoughts on Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken

Cooking Dragon Chili Cashew Chicken is not just about preparing a meal; it’s about embracing a delightful culinary experience. The blend of spices, the crunch of cashews, and the aroma filling your kitchen will make your heart sing. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and festive family gatherings alike. Each bite is a reminder of how food brings us together and creates lasting memories. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let this flavorful, spicy dish inspire joy and laughter around your table. You won’t regret it!