Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that marries tangy and sweet flavors, making it an excellent choice for various occasions. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe shines with its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and juicy pineapple. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that will transport your taste buds to your favorite Chinese takeaway.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 45 minutes from prep to plate.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and the sweet and sour sauce creates an explosion of flavors.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste of pineapple and the crispy chicken bites.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: Ideal for even cooking and allows you to stir-fry quickly, keeping the chicken tender.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients like sauces and cornstarch before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Helps in easily cutting chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.

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 Finishing Touches

• 432 g tin pineapple pieces (drained (reserve the juice))

How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into cubes, slice the onions, chop both bell peppers, and grate the ginger and garlic.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch. This will give it a crispy texture when fried. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same wok, add sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In another bowl, mix ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice. Pour this mixture into the wok with vegetables.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add fried chicken back into the wok along with drained pineapple pieces. Stir well to coat everything in sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your Sweet And Sour Chicken warm over rice or enjoy it on its own as a delicious meal!

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance the meal.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice – This classic pairing absorbs the sauce perfectly, making every bite delicious.
• Fried Rice – Add some chopped vegetables and scrambled eggs for a flavorful twist.
• Brown Rice – A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

In Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps – Use fresh lettuce leaves to create light, refreshing wraps filled with chicken and veggies.
• Tortilla Wraps – Fill soft tortillas with the sweet and sour chicken mixture for a handheld delight.

As a Salad

• Garden Salad – Serve over mixed greens with a tangy dressing to balance the sweetness of the chicken.
• Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw complements the tender chicken nicely, adding texture to your meal.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

To elevate your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, consider these tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Marinate the Chicken – Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps deepen the flavors.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger will give your dish an authentic taste that dried spices can’t match.
• Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to modify the sugar levels based on your personal preference for sweetness.
• Cook in Batches – Frying chicken in smaller batches ensures that each piece gets golden brown and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Pairing your Sweet and Sour Chicken with complementary side dishes can create a wholesome meal. Here are some great options.

1. Fried Rice – Packed with vegetables and protein, fried rice adds texture and flavor alongside the chicken.
2. Steamed Broccoli – This healthy side provides a nice crunch and balances out the sweetness of the dish.
3. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make an excellent appetizer or side.
4. Chow Mein Noodles – These stir-fried noodles are full of flavor and complement the tangy chicken well.
5. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad adds crunch and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Mango Salsa – This fruity salsa brings an additional layer of sweetness while providing freshness to the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much cornstarch: While cornstarch helps create a crispy coating, using too much can lead to a gummy texture. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.
• Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to season the chicken can make your dish bland. Always add salt and pepper generously before cooking for enhanced flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown color and check that it is cooked through but still juicy.
• Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or canned garlic and ginger can dull the dish’s taste. Fresh ingredients bring vibrant flavors that enhance your Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe.
• Ignoring vegetable prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking times. Make sure all vegetables are roughly similar in size for even cooking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best if used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring between intervals, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Serve this dish over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal that absorbs all the delicious sauce.

Can I make this Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Is this Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe healthy?

This recipe includes lean chicken and plenty of vegetables, making it a healthier option compared to takeout versions.

What variations can I try with this Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe?

Feel free to customize by adding different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas or substitute tofu for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting blend of sweet and tangy flavors!