Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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 Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. With crispy chicken coated in a glossy, vibrant sauce, it's a family favorite that’s easy to make at home. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or noodles, this dish is a delicious way to bring restaurant-style cooking to your table.

Ingredients

To serve 4, you'll need:

For the Chicken:

  • 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in cornstarch.
  3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.

2. Make the Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to combine.
  3. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the onion and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute.

4. Combine and Serve

  1. Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
  2. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
  3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

  • Extra Crispy Chicken: Double fry the chicken pieces for extra crispiness.
  • Customize the Flavor: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by modifying the sugar or vinegar in the sauce.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh pineapple for a burst of flavor, though canned works well too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet and sour chicken with:

  • Steamed white rice or fried rice
  • Stir-fried noodles
  • A side of spring rolls or dumplings

Enjoy your homemade sweet and sour chicken—a delicious mix of flavors and textures!