Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe is an incredible meal that brings together the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even when you want to impress guests with a homemade dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a flavorful sauce, complemented by vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just about 45 minutes, making it ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or adjust the sweetness to suit your personal taste.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken breast and colorful veggies, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This Sweet And Sour Chicken reheats well, making it great for lunch or dinner the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success with this Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Essential for even cooking and quick stir-frying of the chicken and vegetables.
• Cutting board: A safe and stable surface for chopping ingredients, preventing any accidents.
• Measuring spoons: Helps to accurately measure ingredients like sauces and seasonings for consistent results.

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 Vegetables

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

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 Pineapple

• 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 the Chicken

1. Start by dicing the chicken breast into 2.5 cm cubes.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then coat each piece in cornstarch until fully covered.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches.
2. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
3. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add thinly sliced onion and chopped bell peppers.
2. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, grated garlic, and reserved pineapple juice.
2. Pour this mixture over cooked vegetables in the pan.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add back the fried chicken into the pan with vegetables and sauce.
2. Toss everything together until well coated in sauce and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch! Enjoy your delicious Sweet And Sour Chicken!

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken is an enjoyable experience that can elevate your dining table. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

Serve with Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice is a classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Add a Side of Spring Rolls

• Spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and add another layer of flavor to your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Cilantro

• A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color, complementing the sweet and tangy notes of the dish.

Offer Extra Sauce on the Side

• Serving extra sauce allows guests to customize their plates according to their taste preferences.

Pair with Crispy Fried Noodles

• Crispy fried noodles add texture and are perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce from your plate.

Include a Mixed Green Salad

• A light mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance out the richness of the chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best version of this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, consider the following tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and pineapple will enhance flavors significantly compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
• Marinate Chicken: Marinating chicken in soy sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking can infuse additional flavor.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When frying chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your dish right after cooking for maximum flavor and texture; it tastes best when served hot.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables such as snap peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sweet and Sour Chicken can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice complements the dish perfectly, adding depth with ingredients like peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs.
2. Chow Mein: This stir-fried noodle dish offers a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chicken.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Nutrient-packed steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch while balancing out flavors on your plate.
4. Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs remarkably well with sweet and sour flavors, creating harmony in every bite.
5. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch alongside your entrée.
6. Egg Drop Soup: This simple yet comforting soup acts as an excellent starter that warms up your palate for the main course.
7. Potstickers: These dumplings provide an indulgent bite that fits perfectly within an Asian-inspired meal theme.
8. Miso Soup: Light yet flavorful miso soup can cleanse your palate between bites of sweet and sour chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe even better. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Using too much oil: Too much oil can make the dish greasy. Instead, use just enough to coat the pan and fry the chicken effectively.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can lead to dryness. Aim for a light golden brown color and ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
• Not seasoning properly: Skipping salt and pepper can dull the flavor. Always taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance the dish’s tangy and sweet notes.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using old or stale ingredients can diminish flavor quality. Opt for fresh vegetables and ginger for the best results.
• Neglecting the sauce balance: A poorly balanced sauce can ruin the dish. Make sure to adjust ketchup, vinegar, and sugar according to your taste preference for that perfect sweet and sour blend.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or reserved pineapple juice to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a gluten-free Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are suitable alternatives that maintain flavor without gluten.

Can I use other vegetables in my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap out vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots based on your preference and what’s in season.

What is a good side dish for Sweet And Sour Chicken?

Rice is a classic pairing, but you could also serve it with quinoa or steamed vegetables for a lighter option that complements the flavors well.

How do I customize my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?

You can adjust sweetness by varying sugar amounts or experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a twist on this classic dish.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with delightful flavors that appeal to everyone at the dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights while allowing room for customization based on personal tastes. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

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Sweet And Sour Chicken

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Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy layer, stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple, all enveloped in a homemade sauce that rivals your favorite takeout. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also offers an opportunity for customization based on personal taste preferences. Serve it over rice or noodles with fresh herbs for an impressive meal that everyone will love.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 ml vegetable oil
• 1 onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 432 g canned pineapple pieces

Instructions

1. Dice the chicken breast into cubes, season with salt and pepper, then coat in cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides (5-7 minutes), then set aside.
4. Stir-fry onion and bell peppers until tender (3-4 minutes).
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice; pour over vegetables.
6. Add the fried chicken back to the pan and toss until well coated in sauce.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles garnished with parsley.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.