Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe offers a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a rich sauce, complemented by fresh veggies and juicy pineapple. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Dish: The balance of sweet pineapple and tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a delicious dinner option that fits any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: Perfect for stir-frying your chicken and vegetables quickly while allowing even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cornstarch with the chicken before frying, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 500 g boneless (skinless chicken breast, diced into 2.5 cm cubes)
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 ml vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables

• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons demerara or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 432 g tin pineapple pieces (drained; reserve the juice)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into cubes, slice the onion, and chop the bell peppers.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with cornstarch. Ensure each piece is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Heat Oil in Wok

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Fry the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same pan, add the sliced onion and chopped bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.

Step 6: Make Sweet And Sour Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the sweet and sour sauce. Add drained pineapple pieces too. Stir well to coat everything in sauce.

Step 8: Simmer

Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving over rice or noodles as desired. Enjoy your homemade Sweet And Sour Chicken!

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken is all about enhancing the delightful flavors of this dish. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.
• Fried Rice: Add more texture and flavor by mixing in veggies and soy sauce for a satisfying side.

In Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
• Tortilla Wraps: Use flour tortillas to create a delicious wrap that’s easy to eat on the go.

On Noodles

• Lo Mein Noodles: Toss the sweet and sour chicken with lo mein for a hearty meal.
• Rice Noodles: These noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, adding another layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

To make your Sweet and Sour Chicken truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Ensure you season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its flavor.
• Bold cornstarch coating: Coat the chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch for a crispy texture when frying.
• Bold use of fresh ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions for an aromatic boost.
• Bold pineapple juice addition: Reserve some pineapple juice and add it to your sauce for extra sweetness and depth.
• Bold cooking temperature: Fry the chicken on medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Pairing your Sweet and Sour Chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options.

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that’s easy to customize with any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy touch with vibrant color, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
3. Egg Rolls: Crunchy on the outside and filled with veggies, they make a great appetizer alongside this dish.
4. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles provide additional carbs that complement the sweet flavors very well.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad can cut through the richness of the dish, providing a contrast in textures.
6. Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls are filled with fresh ingredients that pair nicely with sweet and sour flavors.
7. Quinoa Salad: For a nutritious twist, serve quinoa mixed with herbs and light dressing as a side dish.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds comfort while balancing out the meal’s flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less crispy texture. Always toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying for that perfect crunch.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long makes them mushy. Stir-fry them until they are just tender for a vibrant look and crisp texture.
• Using canned pineapple without draining: Not draining the pineapple can make your dish too watery. Make sure to drain the pineapple pieces well and reserve the juice for your sauce.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your chicken with salt and pepper can leave it bland. Season generously before cooking to enhance flavor.
• Rushing the sauce preparation: Skipping steps when making the sauce can lead to uneven flavors. Take your time to mix ingredients well for a balanced sweet and sour taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option in your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take longer.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I make this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative while keeping the delicious flavor intact.

What sides go well with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. It’s versatile enough that you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately four servings 1x

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Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich sauce, paired with vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple. It’s not only delicious but also versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful meal that comes together in no time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 ml vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 432 g tin pineapple pieces

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare by dicing the chicken, slicing the onion, and chopping the bell peppers.
2. In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from pan.
4. Stir-fry sliced onion and chopped bell peppers in the same pan for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice to make the sauce.
6. Return cooked chicken to the pan along with the sweet and sour sauce and drained pineapple pieces. Stir to coat well.
7. Simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving over rice or noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg