Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delightful choice for any occasion. Its vibrant mix of flavors and textures makes it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and juicy pineapple, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds while being quick and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Balance: The combination of sweet pineapple and tangy sauce creates a delicious contrast that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish offers a nutritious alternative to takeout.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors, ensuring that dinner will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe successful, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: A wok allows for even heating and quick cooking, perfect for stir-frying.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting chicken and vegetables easier and safer.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients before adding them to the pan, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

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))

How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the diced chicken with salt and pepper. In a mixing bowl, coat each piece with cornstarch evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Fry the chicken until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Toss in sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté until they are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with sautéed vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture along with drained pineapple pieces. Stir well to coat everything in sauce.

Step 7: Simmer

Allow everything to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet And Sour Chicken!

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken is all about enhancing the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve over fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.

With Fried Rice

• Pair with fried rice to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it a more filling meal.

As a Lettuce Wrap

• For a lighter option, serve in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds freshness and crunch, creating a fun way to eat.

On Noodles

• Serve over stir-fried noodles for a delightful twist. The noodles absorb the sauce beautifully.

With Extra Pineapple

• Garnish with additional pineapple pieces for a burst of sweetness that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.

Accompanied by Spring Rolls

• Add spring rolls on the side for a fun appetizer that rounds out your meal nicely.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

To truly master this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor significantly.

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Letting your chicken marinate briefly in soy sauce boosts its taste.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar content based on your preference for sweetness.

• Cook in Batches: Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

• Add Colorful Vegetables: Incorporate more colorful vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added nutrition and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Complement your Sweet and Sour Chicken with these delightful side dishes. They provide balance and additional flavors to your meal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple, nutritious side that adds crunch and color.
2. Fried Rice: Flavored rice mixed with veggies can enhance the overall taste of your meal.
3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls bring texture and are perfect for dipping into sweet sauce.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds healthy grains to your plate.
5. Cucumber Salad: Cool cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken.
6. Garlic Bread: Although unconventional, garlic bread provides a tasty way to scoop up sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry, tough meat. Ensure you cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink and tender.
• Ignoring the sauce balance: If you add too much sugar or vinegar, it can throw off the flavor. Always taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken.
• Not using enough cornstarch: Insufficient cornstarch can result in a watery sauce. Coat the chicken pieces well before frying for better texture.
• Skipping vegetable prep: Chopping vegetables too large or inconsistent can affect cooking time. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Forgetting to drain pineapple: Adding excess juice can dilute your sauce. Always drain the pineapple well before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe:

How do I make my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce while cooking. This will give it a nice kick!

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork based on your preference.

Is this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your other ingredients do not contain gluten.

What can I serve with Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or trying something new for family meals, this dish delivers comfort and joy with every bite. Try it today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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

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Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and juicy pineapple in a tangy sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, making it a family favorite. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors, this homemade version rivals any takeout option. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g boneless skinless chicken breast (diced)
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
• 432g tin pineapple pieces (drained)
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat; fry chicken until golden brown.
3. Remove chicken and sauté onion and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
4. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl; pour over sautéed veggies and add chicken and drained pineapple.
5. Simmer until heated through and slightly thickened.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg