Dragon chicken and Chilli chicken are a must-try if you enjoy fiery and spicy flavors. Most Indo-Chinese restaurants have the wildly popular Dragon chicken and Chilli Chicken on their menus, making it hard to choose between them.
So, what makes Dragon chicken and Chilli chicken different?
While both dishes are spicy, each offers a unique flavor and texture. Dragon Chicken is spicier than chilli chicken and has a rich and crunchy texture. It originates from China while chilli Chicken is a variation of classic fried chicken and uses a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce.
In this article, we’ll cover some differences between dragon chicken and chilli chicken, including taste, texture, appearance, ingredients, and overall flavor profile.
Let’s get started.
What is Dragon Chicken? What is Dragon Chicken Made Of?
Did you visualize fire-breathing dragons? Because that’s not what this dish is made of! Dragon chicken is made of chickens and has a fiery flavor.
Dragon chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish usually served with clear chicken soup or hot & sour soup. This dish is a family favorite, just like orange chicken.
But why is it called Dragon Chicken?
The word “Dragon” refers to a large amount of spice used to cook dragon chicken. Dragon chicken is so hot that you can use the Chinese word for spicy to describe it. It’s made with thin chicken strips coated with a hot sauce, garnished with cashews and sesame seeds to neutralize the heat of the fiery hot sauce. Some chefs may also add spring onions to balance all the flavors of Dragon chicken.
What is Chilli Chicken?
Chilli chicken is a popular dish of Hakka Chinese heritage. It has many variations with differences in spices and seasoning. It also has “wet” and “dry” versions with varying sauce or gravy quantities. The South Asian versions of this dish play with the spices, while the Hakka ones use Chinese cooking techniques to prepare chilli chicken.
Many recipes exist for the dish of the same name depending on the restaurateur, including:
- Green chilli chicken.
- Bengal chilli chicken.
- Tangrai chilli chicken.
- Chinese chilli chicken.
Key Differences between Dragon Chicken and Chilli Chicken
Dragon Chicken is hotter than Chilli Chicken.
One main difference between the two dishes is the heat level. Dragon Chicken has a higher heat level due to spicy ingredients like chili peppers. On the other hand, Chilli Chicken has a milder heat level for sensitive taste buds.
Dragon chicken and Chilli Chicken have different cooking methods.
Both dishes are prepared differently. Dragon Chicken is coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried to create a crunchy exterior, while Chilli Chicken is stir-fried with a spicy sauce.
Dragon chicken and Chilli Chicken have different serving methods.
Dragon chicken is served with rice and veggies to balance the spicy taste. On the other hand, chilli chicken pairs best with hot stir-fried noodles or fried rice for added texture and flavor.
Dragon chicken uses an egg for extra flavor.
Most chefs add an egg to dragon chicken for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Meanwhile, chilli chicken has spicy and non-spicy ingredients, making it better suited for people who can’t handle the extra heat.
Dragon chicken is a new creation.
Unlike chilli chicken, dragon chicken was invented recently. Depending on your preference, you can enjoy dragon chicken as a side or main course.
Nutrition Information for Dragon Chicken vs. Chilli Chicken
The table below contains the nutritional value per 214 g serving of Chilli Chicken.
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrate | 21 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 4.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Calories | 277 |
This table contains the nutritional value of a bowl of Dragon chicken.
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calories | 540 |
Dragon Chicken Vs. Chilli Chicken – What dish is better?
Just like with any other food, this choice depends on your taste. But, we can still help you decide on your next meal.
If you enjoy a lot of heat in your food, the Chilli Chicken is the perfect dish for you. Combining sweet and sour flavors with a hint of spice will leave your mouth watering for more.
However, Dragon Chicken is a good alternative if you prefer a spicier flavor. Both these dishes are very different and have unique flavor profiles.
For starters, Dragon chicken is one of the most popular dishes. There’s nothing like starting your meal at a restaurant with a tray of crispy Dragon chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chilli chicken healthy?
Yes. You can prepare tasty and healthy chilly chicken at home. Chicken is rich in proteins, and adding capsicum and onions to the dish only enhances the nutritional value, making it a great lunch option.
What kind of bread is good with chili?
The best bread to pair with chilli chicken is cornbread. It’s a full meal fit for a king.
In short, you can’t go wrong chilli chicken and cornbread. Besides Southern cornbread, you can also make a Northern version of cornbread with a hint of sweetness.
Is chilli chicken good for weight loss?
Yes. Chicken is packed with proteins, making it an ideal food for weight loss.
How does Dragon sauce taste?
Dragon sauce has a sweet and tangy taste. And it can be fiery if you add garlic and sometimes ginger.
