Sweet and Sour Chicken {Easy Recipe!}

Spread the love

Sweet and Sour Chicken: Easy Recipe!

Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of Sweet and Sour Chicken! This classic Chinese-American dish is a perfect blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken coated in a tangy, sweet sauce that is both savory and satisfying. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or just looking for a new recipe to try, this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe stands out:

1. It offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

2. The crispy texture of the chicken combined with the sauce creates a delightful contrast.

3. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with rice, noodles, or on its own.

4. The ingredients are easily accessible and the recipe is simple to follow.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients

To make Sweet and Sour Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/3 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to prepare this mouthwatering dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them in beaten eggs.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté the bell pepper, onion, and pineapple until they are slightly softened.

4. In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the sweet and sour sauce.

5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and bring to a simmer.

6. Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.

7. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize this recipe, you can try the following variations:

– Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
– Add sliced carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
– Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
– Experiment with different protein options such as shrimp or pork.

Pro Tips for Success

For the best results when making Sweet and Sour Chicken:

– Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy coating.
– Use fresh pineapple for a burst of tropical sweetness in every bite.
– Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before adding the chicken back to the skillet for a more flavorful dish.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce as needed to balance the flavors.

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
A: You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Q: How long will the leftovers last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While the texture of the chicken may change slightly upon reheating, you can freeze Sweet and Sour Chicken for up to 2 months.

Q: What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
A: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding water chestnuts, baby corn, or snow peas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this classic favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is sure to impress and satisfy all who taste it. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal that will transport you to culinary bliss!

Sweet and Sour Chicken {Easy Recipe!}

Sweet and Sour Chicken {Easy Recipe!}

Recipe by Author

Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with this classic Chinese-American dish. Tender chicken coated in a crispy exterior tossed in a savory sweet and sour sauce, this recipe is versatile and satisfying!

Course: Main Dish Cuisine: Chinese-American Difficulty: medium
4.5 from 120 votes
🍽️
Servings
4
⏱️
Prep time
15
minutes
🔥
Cooking time
15
minutes
📊
Calories
396
kcal
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them in beaten eggs.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the bell pepper, onion, and pineapple until slightly softened.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the sweet and sour sauce.
  5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  7. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 396
Fat: 16.2
Carbohydrates: 30.5
Protein: 31.9
Sodium: 823
Fiber: 2.7
Sugar: 17.8