Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and sour chicken recipe is a beloved dish, celebrated for its balance of flavors and textures. It combines crispy fried chicken chunks with a vibrant sweet and tangy sauce, often complemented by colorful bell peppers, pineapple, and onions. While it’s a favorite on many Chinese takeout menus, making it at home is both rewarding and surprisingly simple.

This recipe not only ensures fresh ingredients but also allows you to customize the dish to your liking. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this sweet-and-sour chicken recipe will surely win hearts!

A Brief History of Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe:

Sweet and sour flavors have a deep-rooted history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to ancient times when vinegar and honey were used as a marinade for meats. The dish we know today, sweet and sour chicken, evolved as Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Western countries, adapting them to local tastes. Its popularity skyrocketed in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Pinklady

Sweet and sour flavors have a deep-rooted history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to ancient times when vinegar and honey were used as a marinade for meats. The dish we know today, sweet and sour chicken, evolved as Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Western countries, adapting them to local tastes. Its popularity skyrocketed in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Deep frying pan or wok
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 500g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

See also  Pork Fried Rice Recipe

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (optional, for added sweetness)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken

  Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper.
• Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with cornstarch, and one with beaten eggs.
• Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip it in egg, and then coat it with cornstarch for an extra crispy texture.
• Fry the Chicken

  Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
• Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
• Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large frying pan.
• Add the bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks, stirring for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
• Combine and Serve

  Add the fried chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
• Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing until evenly coated.
• Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Video

Keyword Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

3. How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the sauce or skip the pineapple juice for a less sweet flavor.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

5. Can I freeze sweet and sour chicken?

You can freeze the sauce and fried chicken separately for up to 2 months. Reheat before combining.

6. What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles pair perfectly.

7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

8. Is sweet and sour chicken spicy?

Typically, it’s not. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

9. Can I use air frying instead of deep frying?

Yes, air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

10. What other proteins can I use?

Shrimp, pork, or tofu can be substituted for chicken for a different twist.

Conclusion:

Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the best of contrasting flavors. By making it at home, you not only enjoy the freshness of each ingredient but also control the sweetness, tanginess, and texture to suit your palate. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll never crave takeout again!

YouTube Video Credits:
Tasty