Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish that brings a delightful explosion of flavors to your plate. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has won hearts around the world with its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a crispy batter, then tossed with vibrant vegetables and a luscious sweet and sour sauce. Whether you're serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (450 grams)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (30 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 gram)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 1/2 cup sugar (100 grams)
• 1/2 cup white vinegar (120 ml)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (15 grams)
• 1 tablespoon water (15 ml)

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Create the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture until smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the garlic, onion, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
7. Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional minute.
8. Combine: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
9. Serve: Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken over cooked rice or enjoy it as is. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Sweet and sour sauce works well with pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry until heated through.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just fry the chicken and toss it with the sauce and vegetables right before serving for the best texture.

4. What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

This dish is commonly served with white rice, but you can also pair it with fried rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a twist!

5. Are there any variations I can try?

Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. You can also adjust the sweetness or tanginess by modifying the sugar and vinegar ratios in the sauce.

Now that you have this easy-to-follow Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, you can create a delightful and flavorful dish at home. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results!