Sweet And Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. This recipe features tender chunks of chicken coated in a golden batter, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and pineapples, all enveloped in a glossy, mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce. It’s an all-time favorite that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this sweet and sour chicken recipe for its vibrant flavors and straightforward cooking process. The combination of the sweet sauce and the savory chicken creates an explosion of taste that’s irresistible. This dish is not only easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners—but also customizable to fit different dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, making it a wholesome choice for families looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Before You Start: Chop all your vegetables and prepare the sauce beforehand. This will make cooking a breeze.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and pineapple will elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken, and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your liking.
- Crispy Chicken: To achieve a crispy coating, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. Use a thermometer if possible.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider making a double batch of the sauce and chicken separately, then combine them just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Monitor the cooking time closely to avoid dry chicken. Cook until just done for the best texture.
- Thickening Sauce Incorrectly: If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer longer to thicken naturally or mix a cornstarch slurry to add at the end.
- Skipping Marinade: Don’t skip the marination step; it adds flavor to the chicken and tenderizes it.
- Wrong Oil Temperature: If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If too hot, it will burn before cooking through.
Make Ahead Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance to enhance its flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
- Chop Vegetables: Pre-chop the bell peppers, onions, and pineapple a day ahead and store them in airtight containers.
Recipe Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a different protein option.
- Vegetable Additions: Consider adding broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or use a spicy sweet and sour sauce for a kick.
How to Serve
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of elegance. For a pop of color, add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro on top.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or a refreshing cocktail such as a mojito. For side dishes, consider serving with crispy egg rolls or a fresh green salad. For dessert, a scoop of coconut sorbet complements the meal beautifully.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl for marinating chicken
- Wok or large skillet for frying
- Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk for mixing sauce
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu and ensure the sauce is made without any animal products.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for thickening.
- Nut-Free: The recipe is nut-free as written, but always check ingredient labels to ensure they’re allergen-friendly.
Seasonal Adaptations
During summer, opt for fresh, sun-ripened bell peppers and pineapple. In the colder months, you can use frozen vegetables and canned pineapple for convenience without sacrificing too much flavor.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for this sweet and sour chicken recipe is approximately $12 for a serving of four, which breaks down to about $3 per serving. To save more, consider buying frozen vegetables and bulk chicken.
Kitchen Hacks
- Quick Pineapple Prep: Use a pineapple corer to speed up the pineapple cutting process.
- Effortless Garlic Peeling: Smash garlic cloves with the side of a knife to easily remove the skins.
- Avoiding Tears: Chill your onion in the freezer for about 10 minutes before chopping to reduce the tears.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use different proteins? Yes, shrimp or tofu are great alternatives to chicken.
- What can I substitute for pineapple? You can use mango or omit it altogether if preferred.
- How long does the chicken cook? The chicken typically cooks in about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Sweet And Sour Chicken
Sweet And Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. This recipe features tender chunks of chicken coated in a golden batter, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and pineapples, all enveloped in a glossy, mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. Dredge chicken pieces in the mixture until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions, bell peppers, and pineapple. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. Pour over the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 469Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 96mgSodium 1074mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 3gSugar 25gProtein 40g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. With this recipe, you can easily recreate a restaurant-quality favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
