Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic takeout dish that you can now easily make at home! Imagine crispy, tender chicken coated in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce with colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks. This recipe is simple to follow, ready in just 45 minutes, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Balanced: This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that make Sweet and Sour Chicken so popular.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Crispy and Satisfying: The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the cornstarch coating and quick frying method.
• Versatile: Serve this Sweet and Sour Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. It’s also great for meal prepping or packing for lunch.

this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• Cornstarch: Creates a light and crispy coating on the chicken.
• Eggs: Beaten and used to help the coating adhere to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the coating and helps create a crispy texture.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to perfection.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken.

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Adds the essential sour element to the sauce.
• Ketchup: Contributes to the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the sour and savory flavors.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor.
• Pineapple juice: Adds a sweet and tropical flavor to the sauce.
• Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.

For the Stir-Fry

• Red and green bell peppers: Cut into bite-sized pieces and adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
• Onion: Cut into bite-sized pieces and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned, drained, and adds a sweet and tropical flavor.
• Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the vegetables.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch and flour over the chicken and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and¹ stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the red and green bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top and toss to coat everything evenly. Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Fry in batches: Frying the chicken in batches ensures that it cooks evenly and becomes crispy. Overcrowding the pan will result in soggy chicken.
• Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer it.
• Use fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works well too, especially if you’re short on time.
• Add spice: If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make ahead: You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, stir-fry the vegetables, and combine.

How to Serve

This Sweet and Sour Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for sweet and sour chicken.
• Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein noodles.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bok choy.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet and Sour Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Pork, tofu, or shrimp would be delicious substitutes for chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can! Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. You can also use gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions.

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and flavorful sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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