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Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Perfect Blend of Crispy, Tangy, and Sweet

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish known for its irresistible combination of crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet sauce, and mixed with vibrant vegetables and pineapple chunks. This dish is a family favorite, with each bite offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, Sweet and Sour Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, it’s an easy way to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Chicken

  1. Crispy and Flavorful: The fried chicken stays crispy while being coated in the perfect sweet and tangy sauce.

  2. Bright and Colorful: With chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, this dish not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on the plate.

  3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

How to Enjoy Sweet and Sour Chicken

  1. Serve with Steamed Rice: The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice to soak up all the flavors.

  2. Customize Your Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables like snap peas or carrots for extra crunch and color.

 

 

With its crispy texture, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce, Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy this restaurant-style dish right at home!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar)

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)

For the Vegetables and Extras:

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

  • 1 small onion, cut into chunks

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

    • Dip each piece of chicken first in the cornstarch, then in the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.

    • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side).

    • Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  2. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.

    • In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water) and set aside.

  3. Cook the Vegetables:

    • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.

    • Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    • Add the bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

  4. Combine Everything:

    • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the stir-fried vegetables, then bring to a simmer.

    • Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

    • Toss the fried chicken into the sauce and vegetables, coating the chicken evenly.

  5. Serve:

    • Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Optional Add-ins:

  • Spice it up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a spicy kick.

  • Extra Vegetables: Add zucchini, snap peas, or carrots for more color and crunch.

Tips:

  • Double Fry: For extra crispy chicken, you can double fry the chicken pieces by frying them twice at different temperatures (first at 350°F, then at 375°F).

  • Make it Lighter: For a healthier version, bake the chicken instead of frying at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

 

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and sweet, with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables coated in a delicious sauce. Enjoy it with rice or your favorite sides for a tasty meal!