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Make Crispy Dragon Chicken Lettuce Wraps Tonight!

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Ignite your taste buds with these Crispy Dragon Chicken Lettuce Wrap Cups, featuring perfectly crispy chicken coated in a savory dragon sauce. Enjoy a refreshing and interactive meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, for frying)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
  • ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
  • ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup drained and chopped water chestnuts (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Chopped peanuts or cashews (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your 1-inch cubed chicken thighs or breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, then dredge them generously in about ½ cup of cornstarch until fully coated. Set aside.
  2. Make the Crispy Coating Batter: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk one large egg. In a third shallow bowl, combine ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon baking powder.
  3. Coat and Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dip each piece of cornstarch-coated chicken into the egg, then into the flour/cornstarch mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the crispy chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  4. Prepare the Dragon Sauce: While the chicken fries, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey), 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste), 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Set aside. In a separate tiny bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
  5. Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables: Carefully pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add ½ cup finely diced yellow onion and ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. If using, add ¼ cup drained and chopped water chestnuts and sauté for another minute.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Give your prepared dragon sauce a quick whisk, then pour it into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
  7. Combine and Serve: Add the crispy fried chicken to the skillet with the dragon sauce. Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
  8. Assemble Your Lettuce Cups: Arrange your washed and dried lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the crispy dragon chicken mixture into the lettuce cups. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. For extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped peanuts or cashews. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures!

Nutrition

Keywords: For maximum chicken crispiness, consider double frying the chicken. You can customize the vegetables and adjust the spice level to your preference. Always store the lettuce leaves separately from the chicken mixture to maintain crispness.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/make-crispy-dragon-chicken-lettuce-wraps-tonight/