Introduction:
Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish known for its perfectly balanced flavors and crispy texture. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a deliciously tangy sauce made with a combination of sweet and sour elements. This dish is easy to prepare at home and is perfect for those craving Chinese-inspired flavors. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal!
Recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil, for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- ½ cup pineapple chunks (optional)
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add diced bell pepper and pineapple chunks, if using, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing well to coat each piece.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, along with steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade sweet and sour chicken!