Dragon Glaze Chicken from TGI Friday's features tender, crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy dragon glaze sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, delivering a bold and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet with rack (optional, for draining)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions
Using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the coating mix ensures a crispy texture for your chicken wings. Marinating the wings in buttermilk and eggs helps tenderize the meat and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply. The dragon glaze sauce balances sweetness from honey and brown sugar with heat from sriracha and tang from rice vinegar, creating a complex flavor profile. Fresh ginger and minced garlic add aromatic depth that complements the umami-rich hoisin and soy sauces. Your Dragon Glaze Chicken from TGI Friday's copycat menu will deliver the bold, crispy, and flavorful experience fans love.
Instructions
- Preheat oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each chicken wing in the flour mixture, dip in egg-buttermilk mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Fry chicken wings in batches for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain wings on a baking sheet with rack or paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar.
- Simmer sauce over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Transfer cooked wings to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour warm dragon glaze sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange glazed wings on a serving plate.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Substitution
Dragon Glaze Chicken from TGI Friday's copycat menu offers crispy, golden wings immersed in a luscious sweet and spicy glaze. You can swap buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice for marinating the chicken if buttermilk is unavailable. In case hoisin sauce is hard to find, consider using a mixture of soy sauce and plum sauce as a substitute to maintain the glaze's depth. For frying, vegetable oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil works well to achieve a crispy texture. When coating the wings, ensure to toss them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture for a perfect crispy crust.
Tips
Make sure to pat your chicken wings completely dry before dredging to ensure a crispier coating. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) throughout frying to cook wings evenly without becoming greasy. When simmering the dragon glaze sauce, stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a balanced sweetness and spice. Toss the wings in the warm sauce rather than hot to keep the coating intact and maximize flavor absorption for your perfect bite.
Nutritions
Dragon Glaze Chicken wings provide a rich source of protein from the 2 pounds of chicken wings, essential for muscle repair and growth. The deep-frying method adds calories and fats, primarily from the vegetable oil used, which contributes to the dish's crispy texture but increases overall fat content. The dragon glaze combines sweet chili sauce, hoisin, honey, and brown sugar, contributing sugars and carbohydrates, while garlic, ginger, and green onions add antioxidants and micronutrients. Your meal balances flavorful indulgence with protein, though it is best enjoyed in moderation due to its elevated fat and sugar levels.
Storage
Store leftover Dragon Glaze Chicken wings in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain their crispiness and flavor. To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes, ensuring the glaze stays sticky and delicious. Your chicken wings can be safely refrigerated for up to 3 days to enjoy later.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken wings for boneless chicken tenders to reduce frying time and create a different texture. For a lighter alternative, bake the coated wings at 400degF (200degC) on a rack-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure crispiness. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based sweetener that complements the dragon glaze. If you prefer more heat, increase sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes directly to the sauce for an extra kick.
Allergies
Dragon Glaze Chicken contains common allergens such as soy from soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and eggs from the batter mixture. Sesame seeds and sesame oil can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to sesame. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to inform your server or avoid this dish to prevent adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Dragon Glaze Chicken menu at TGI Friday's captivates diners with its bold, sweet, and smoky flavors balanced by a hint of spice, creating a unique taste experience. The dish features tender chicken glazed with a rich, sticky sauce made from high-quality ingredients that perfectly complement each bite. You can recreate this popular menu item at home, ensuring an authentic and flavorful meal that impresses family and friends while saving money. Its distinctive taste and satisfying texture make the Dragon Glaze Chicken worth trying for both fans of TGI Friday's and adventurous home cooks.