Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe is a delightful fusion of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender chicken pieces enveloped in a vibrant sauce, complemented by colorful vegetables and juicy pineapple, this dish is sure to please your family. It’s perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet pineapple and tangy sauce provides a delicious contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand; bell peppers, onions, and even snap peas work wonderfully!
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious choice for dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: This is essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection while allowing it to cook evenly.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized mixing bowl is crucial for combining your ingredients thoroughly before cooking.
• Knife: A sharp knife will make cutting your chicken and vegetables easier, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.

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

1. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Coat each piece with cornstarch until evenly covered.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
4. Remove cooked chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add sliced onions and bell peppers.
2. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice.
2. Pour this mixture into the pan with sautéed vegetables.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add fried chicken pieces back into the pan.
2. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
3. Add drained pineapple pieces and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet And Sour Chicken with rice or noodles!

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken is all about complementing the dish with the right flavors and textures. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

On Steamed Rice

• Serving over fluffy steamed rice absorbs the sauce perfectly, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

With Fried Rice

• Pairing with fried rice adds a wonderful crunch and extra flavor, making your dinner feel like a feast.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy alternative that’s both fun and healthy.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing look, elevating your dish visually and taste-wise.

Alongside Egg Rolls

• Serve with crispy egg rolls for a classic Chinese-inspired meal, providing a delightful contrast in texture.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

To master this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water.
• Marinate Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking.
• Cook in Batches: Fry chicken in small batches to ensure it cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sweet and Sour Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Coconut Rice
   The subtle sweetness of coconut rice complements the tangy flavors beautifully.

2. Garlic Noodles
   These noodles offer rich garlic flavor that pairs well with the sweet sauce of the chicken.

3. Stir-Fried Vegetables
   Colorful stir-fried vegetables add extra nutrients and a pop of color to your plate.

4. Chow Mein
   This classic noodle dish provides a hearty base that balances the lightness of the chicken.

5. Asian Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing salad made from cucumbers tossed in vinegar brings a crisp contrast to your meal.

6. Miso Soup
   A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter, enhancing your Asian dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, everyone can slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Always let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long makes it dry and tough. Aim for a golden brown finish for tender meat.
• Not balancing the sauce: Using too much sugar or vinegar can throw off the flavor. Taste as you go to achieve that perfect sweet and sour balance.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Failing to chop vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Cut them into similar sizes for consistent results.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap sauces and low-grade chicken can ruin your dish. Invest in good quality ingredients for better taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Place in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Pair this dish with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.

Can I make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

How do I customize my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or even swap chicken for tofu!

Is Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe healthy?

This recipe can be made healthier by using less sugar and more vegetables while still maintaining great flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or protein alternatives. Try making it tonight and enjoy a delightful dinner that family members will love!

Print

Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Sweet And Sour Chicken is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and juicy pineapple in a delightful tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families looking to savor a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over steamed rice or as a filling in lettuce wraps, this dish promises to please everyone at the table.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; coat with cornstarch.
2. In a frying pan over medium-high heat, cook chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and bell peppers until tender (3-4 minutes).
4. Mix sauce ingredients together and add to the pan with vegetables.
5. Return chicken to the pan; add pineapple and heat through (3-5 minutes).

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 358
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce before cooking. Feel free to swap vegetables or use tofu for a vegetarian option.