Sweet and sour chicken is a classic favorite for those who love the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. With juicy chunks of chicken, fresh bell peppers, and pineapple, this dish is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend family dinner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon self-rising flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Pineapple chunks (from the can)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions for Cooking Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, pineapple juice, white sugar, vinegar, and the optional orange food coloring. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves properly.
Thicken the Sauce
Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water in a small bowl. Slowly add this slurry to the boiling sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken to the perfect consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Batter for the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, self-rising flour, egg, and a little water until the batter is smooth. Season the mixture with salt and white pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the batter and stir until they are well-coated.
Fry the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the battered chicken pieces until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Combine Everything Together
Arrange the fried chicken on a large serving platter. Add the bell pepper pieces and pineapple chunks evenly across the top. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, fry the pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet or fryer.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar slightly. Conversely, reduce the sugar for a more tangy flavor.
- Veggie Options: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or onions to enhance the dish.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 430 kcal
- Servings: 4
Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. With its crispy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful sauce, it’s a versatile meal perfect for any occasion. By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite at home. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this recipe is sure to impress, it’s an Asian-inspired dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Check out our collection of breakfast recipes or lunch ideas if you’re looking for more delicious options to bring flavor to your table. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a satisfying dinner to end it, we have something for everyone.
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