Sweet and Sour Chicken

Introduction

Sweet and sour chicken is a universally loved dish that combines crispy, tender chicken bites with a tangy and vibrant sweet and sour sauce. This recipe is remarkably easy to make at home, and it guarantees restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special treat, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the chicken:
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– Cornflour (cornstarch)
– Egg

For the sauce:
– Ketchup
– White vinegar
– Light soy sauce
– Brown sugar
– Pineapple chunks
– Bell peppers
– Garlic
– Ginger

Prep Time

Preparing the sweet and sour chicken is a simple process that takes just a few minutes. You’ll start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coating them in a light batter for frying. Meanwhile, gather the sauce ingredients and chop the vegetables to save time later during cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

After prepping, the cook time for this dish is manageable and swift, taking about 20-25 minutes. This short duration ensures the chicken stays crispy, while the sauce perfectly coats it for a balanced flavor. From start to finish, this recipe takes approximately 30-35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The yield is perfect for serving about 4 people, but the recipe can easily be doubled if you’re hosting or want leftovers.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

– Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
– In a medium bowl, combine some cornflour and salt, and toss the chicken pieces until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

– Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
– Add the coated chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through (approximately 5-8 minutes per batch).
– Remove the chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

– In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup, sugar, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, and water to create the sweet and sour sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Cook the vegetables

– Remove excess oil from the pan and return it to medium heat.
– Add chopped vegetables such as peppers, pineapple chunks, or other desired additions to the pan. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine and cook

– Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables in the pan.
– Stir the sauce and vegetables together, ensuring everything is well coated.
– Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add chicken to the sauce

– Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce and vegetables.
– Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

– Remove from heat and serve immediately. Sweet and sour chicken pairs well with rice or noodles.

Notes

Cooking Tip

– Be mindful not to overcrowd the chicken in the pan as you fry it to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Cook in batches if necessary.

Adjust sweetness

– You can adjust the sugar content in the sauce to better suit your preferred level of sweetness.

Vegetable options

– While peppers and pineapple are commonly used, feel free to mix in other vegetables such as onions, carrots, or zucchini.

Tossing recommendation

– Toss the chicken into the sauce just before serving to maintain its crispy exterior.

Storage

– Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave before serving.
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Cook techniques

Preparing the chicken

Cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and consistent pieces to ensure even cooking.

Coating the chicken

First, dredge the chicken pieces in plain flour. Dip them into a bowl of beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage, and coat them thoroughly in breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

Frying the chicken

Use a large skillet or frying pan with enough vegetable oil to shallow-fry the chicken pieces. Fry on medium heat to prevent burning and cook until golden brown. Turn the chicken frequently to ensure all sides are crispy and evenly cooked.

Making the sweet and sour sauce

Combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small pan. Heat gently while whisking the ingredients to create a smooth sauce. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference by altering the sugar and vinegar amounts.

Coating the chicken with sauce

Toss the fried chicken in the warm sweet and sour sauce using a large mixing bowl to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture combined with the sticky sauce.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe. They offer a juicier texture and richer flavor but will require the same cutting and coating steps.

How can I make this sweet and sour chicken healthier?

You can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying it. Spray the coated chicken with some cooking oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sweet and sour sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing it with the chicken.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or stovetop to keep the chicken crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the coating soggy.

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

This dish pairs well with white or fried rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the sugar amount in the sauce recipe according to your taste preferences.

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Conclusion

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a perfect balance between tangy and sweet flavors, offering a vibrant, hearty dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend cooking. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, this recipe is versatile and satisfying every time.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Homemade Fried Rice

Pair the Sweet and Sour Chicken with some homemade fried rice for a complete and authentic Chinese-inspired meal. The savory elements of fried rice complement the tangy sweetness perfectly.

Chicken Spring Rolls

Serve alongside some crispy chicken spring rolls for a delightful appetizer or side dish to round out the meal.

Asian Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add a healthy touch with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a light soy sauce and garlic dressing.

Kung Pao Chicken

For an additional main dish, pair the Sweet and Sour Chicken with spicy Kung Pao Chicken to offer a variety of flavors on the table.

Chow Mein Noodles

Serve the chicken with a flavorful side of chow mein. The noodles and rich savory sauce make a great combination with the tangy chicken.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Complement the sweet and tangy notes of the chicken with pineapple fried rice for an easy tropical-inspired pairing.

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