Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a delicious sauce, complemented by colorful vegetables and juicy pineapple. Whether you’re craving a homemade takeout dish or seeking to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe stands out with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: The blend of ketchup, vinegar, and sugar creates a deliciously balanced sauce that delights the palate.
• Colorful Presentation: With bright bell peppers and golden pineapple, this dish is as visually appealing as it is tasty.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to switch out vegetables or adjust the sweetness to suit your family’s taste preferences.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fantastic meal, making it a great option for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools needed for this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. Having the right equipment on hand speeds up the process and ensures better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: Provides ample space for frying chicken pieces evenly while allowing easy stirring.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through vegetables and chicken effortless, saving time during prep.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 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 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)

For the Vegetables

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Then coat each piece with cornstarch to create a crispy texture when fried.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a wok or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, demerara sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the fried chicken back into the pan with vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture along with drained pineapple pieces. Stir everything together until well-coated.

Step 7: Simmer

Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.

Step 8: 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 your Sweet and Sour Chicken is an opportunity to enhance its delightful flavors. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal experience. Here are some suggestions to enjoy this dish to the fullest.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Light and fluffy, it’s a classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Fried Rice: Adds texture and flavor variety with vegetables and eggs mixed in.

With Noodles

• Egg Noodles: Soft and hearty, they complement the sweet sauce perfectly.
• Rice Noodles: A gluten-free option that adds a chewy texture to your meal.

In a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh twist, use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken and veggies.
• Tortilla Wraps: Spread the chicken mix onto tortillas for a fun handheld meal.

With Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: Lightens up the meal with freshness, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness adds contrast and balances the sweetness of the chicken.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Perfecting your Sweet and Sour Chicken can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Season your chicken well before frying for enhanced flavor.
• Crispy chicken: Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch thoroughly for a crispy texture when fried.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and pineapple for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Control heat: Keep an eye on heat while frying; too high can burn the coating, while too low can make it soggy.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify sugar levels based on your taste preference for balance in flavor.
• Garnish wisely: Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish for added color and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sweet and Sour Chicken can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Fried Rice: A mix of rice with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce creates a savory balance.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful crunch.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious and colorful, it adds freshness to your plate.
4. Egg Drop Soup: This simple soup warms up your meal while adding delicate flavors.
5. Chow Mein Noodles: Stir-fried noodles add texture along with flavorful veggies.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that cools down the palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can greatly enhance your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe experience. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Using too much cornstarch: Over-coating the chicken can make it too heavy. Aim for a light dusting to achieve a crispy texture without overwhelming the dish.
• Neglecting the vegetables: Skipping or undercooking the vegetables can lead to a one-dimensional dish. Ensure all veggies are sautéed until tender for balanced flavor and color.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too runny, it won’t cling to the chicken. Adjust with cornstarch mixed with water, cooking until thickened.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor closely and remove it from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.
• Not balancing flavors: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning may lead to an unbalanced dish. Always sample your sauce before serving, adding more sugar or vinegar as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake in a covered dish for about 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Sweet And Sour Chicken?

Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice or noodles. This combination enhances the flavors and adds texture.

Can I use different vegetables in this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure they are cut evenly for even cooking.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use less sugar or swap out regular ketchup for a low-sugar version. Adding more vegetables also boosts nutrition.

Can I prepare Sweet And Sour Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prep vegetables earlier in the day. Just cook them right before serving for freshness.

What do I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pineapple juice or water while heating on low until you achieve the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors that appeal to all ages. It’s versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions—and easily customizable with various vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy this delicious meal that brings the taste of takeout right into your home!

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Sour Chicken, a perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar, all complemented by colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple. Not only is it quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, but it’s also customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will impress both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 ml vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly 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

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Instructions

1. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper; coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
3. Fry coated chicken in batches until golden brown; set aside.
4. Stir-fry onions and bell peppers in the same pan for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Mix ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
6. Combine fried chicken with vegetables; pour the sauce over and add pineapple.
7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg