Craving that classic, irresistible sweet and sour chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Now you can recreate this mouthwatering dish right in your own kitchen! This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner cook. Forget complicated techniques and hard-to-find ingredients. We’ll guide you step-by-step to achieve that perfect balance of tangy sweetness and crispy chicken, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills! This Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delight everyone will love.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
Ingredients for Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons for the sauce |
| Egg | 1, beaten |
| Vegetable Oil | For frying |
| Pineapple Chunks | 1 cup, drained |
| Bell Peppers | 1 red and 1 green, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Onion | 1 medium, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| White Vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon, minced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Then, coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with cornstarch. This will help create that crispy exterior we all love in sweet and sour chicken.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, ensuring they are fully covered. This helps the cornstarch adhere better and creates a richer crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and Drain: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside while you prepare the sauce. Crispy chicken is key to great Sweet and Sour Chicken.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and whisk until smooth. This is your sweet and sour sauce base.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (after draining the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon), sauté the minced garlic and ginger over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Add Vegetables: Add the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Pour in the Sauce: Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should be glossy and coating the chicken nicely.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken!
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Fried rice
- Spring rolls or egg rolls
- A side of steamed broccoli or bok choy
You can also customize the vegetables in this dish to your liking. Carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts would all be delicious additions.
This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe will be a hit at the dinner table. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or sourness of the sauce to your preference by adding more sugar or vinegar, respectively. This recipe aims to provide a balanced flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates, creating the best Sweet and Sour Chicken you’ve ever tasted. The combination of crispy chicken, tender vegetables, and tangy sauce makes it a truly satisfying and memorable meal.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, either! Some people enjoy adding bamboo shoots, celery, or even mushrooms to their sweet and sour chicken. Get creative and make it your own! This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a great base for all kinds of adaptations.
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s relatively easy to transport. Simply cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them right before serving to prevent the chicken from getting soggy. Everyone will rave about your homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken. It’s better than takeout!
Leftovers, if you have any, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The chicken may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but it will still be delicious. Enjoy your Sweet and Sour Chicken for lunch or dinner the next day! It’s just as good the second time around.
For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat. Or, if you prefer a more savory flavor, add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce. These little additions can really elevate the dish and make it even more delicious.
This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and sauce on Sunday and then portion them out into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. This is a great way to save time and money, and it ensures that you always have a healthy and delicious meal on hand.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is perfect. It comes together in under an hour, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, skip the delivery and make your own Sweet and Sour Chicken at home. You’ll be glad you did! This recipe is truly a game-changer.
This recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken is easily adaptable. You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Make sure they are boneless and skinless. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian version.
For those watching their sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce. Also, consider using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a healthier option and subtle flavor variation. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you like best. So, don’t be afraid to get creative with this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.
Creating amazing Sweet and Sour Chicken at home doesn’t require complex culinary techniques or fancy equipment. With a few simple steps, you can prepare this dish. A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet works just as well. Make sure to use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that signature smoky flavor.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch. If you want it spicier, add some chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. The key is to taste and adjust as you go until you achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
This recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make it so appealing. It combines the savory taste of perfectly fried chicken with the zesty sweetness of the signature sweet and sour sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also satisfying and filling. This classic is a favorite because the flavors work so well together.
Remember to adjust cooking times based on your stove and cookware. If you find the chicken browning too quickly, reduce the heat. Similarly, if the vegetables aren’t softening, increase the heat slightly. The goal is to cook everything to perfection without burning or undercooking any ingredient. Enjoy making Sweet and Sour Chicken in your own kitchen!
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken:
- For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it. Fry it once, remove it from the oil, let it rest for a few minutes, and then fry it again until golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. Fry it in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- Use fresh pineapple for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce to your liking.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.
