Sweet and Sour Chicken

Whenever I think of comfort food, Sweet and Sour Chicken immediately comes to mind. This dish brings me back to my childhood, where my family would gather around the table, and the aroma of crispy chicken and tangy sauce filled the air. I remember those weekend nights when my parents would surprise us with this delightful meal after a long week. It was always a hit, celebrated for its vibrant colors and enticing flavors. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy peppers, and sweet pineapple was simply irresistible. Seeing that sauce glisten on the chicken pieces made it hard to wait until dinner was served. Sweet and Sour Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a cherished memory, a story of family togetherness and love.

What to Buy for Sweet and Sour Chicken

The ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken are simple yet essential for creating that signature flavor. From the crunch of the peppers to the sweetness of pineapple, each ingredient plays a vital role. The chicken, whether it’s breast or thigh, offers a juicy base, while the sauce brings everything together in harmony.

• Canola oil: Essential for frying, giving the chicken a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Helps to achieve that perfect crispy coating on the chicken.
• Chicken breasts or thighs: The main protein, tender and flavorful.
• Eggs: Binds the cornstarch and flour to the chicken, creating a delicious crust.
• All-purpose flour: Complements the cornstarch in creating a crunchy coating.
• Red and green bell peppers: Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch to the dish.
• Pineapple chunks: Provides the sweet element that complements the savory sauce.
• Water: Necessary for thinning and binding the sauce.
• Pineapple juice: Enhances the sweetness and adds a tropical flavor.
• Distilled white vinegar: Introduces the necessary tang to balance the sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami flavor that deepens the taste of the dish.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dish and balances the tangy elements.
• Light brown sugar: Provides a richer sweetness compared to regular sugar.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Cornstarch (mixed with water): Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.

Directions for Sweet and Sour Chicken

Making Sweet and Sour Chicken is a joyful experience, filled with colorful ingredients and bold flavors. Follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-style dish at home.

1. Start by preparing the sauce: In a medium pot, combine water, pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, both types of sugar, and salt. Set it over low heat, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors. This will be the base of your dish, so take your time to let it meld together.

2. Next, heat about 1 to 1½ inches of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that the chicken will sizzle when added. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

3. While the oil heats, prepare the chicken: Place cornstarch in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces to the bag and shake until they’re evenly coated. This layer is what gives the chicken that crunch you crave.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, put the flour. Now, dip each coated piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then roll them in the flour, ensuring they’re fully coated. This two-step process will create a delicious crust.

5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping with metal tongs until they’re golden brown and crispy. It’s important to keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. When done, place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. Now, with the oil still in the pan, carefully discard all but a few tablespoons. Add the bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the pan, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the peppers are crisp-tender. This adds freshness and color to your dish, making it visually appealing.

7. While the vegetables are cooking, return to the sauce. Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce in the pot. Mix well and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes or until it thickens. You want a glossy finish that will beautifully coat your chicken and vegetables.

8. Pour the thickened sauce over the sautéed peppers and pineapple. Add the crispy chicken pieces, gently stirring to coat everything in that luscious sauce. The vibrant colors and aromas will have you anticipating the first bite!

9. Finally, continue to cook everything together for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and everything is heated through. This last step ensures that all the flavors are harmoniously blended together.

Tips for Success

To ensure that your Sweet and Sour Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen! Just separate the chicken and sauce, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Vegetable options: Feel free to add or swap in your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or even zucchini for a healthy twist.
• Cooking chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Making it ahead: You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance, making it quicker to cook on busy nights.

How to Enjoy Sweet and Sour Chicken

There are so many delightful ways to enjoy Sweet and Sour Chicken. Here’s how to make the most of this flavorful dish:

• Serve over rice: A classic pairing! Fluffy white rice complements the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.
• Use as a filling: Consider using the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
• Perfect for lunch: Enjoy the leftovers cold in a salad or reheated in a sandwich for a quick lunch option.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even themed Asian nights.
• Seasonal sides: Pair with seasonal vegetables to enhance your meal and add freshness.
• Make it a feast: Serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like egg rolls or dumplings for a feast.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite. Its vibrant colors and irresistible taste make it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. I encourage you to try making it at home; it’s easier than you might think, and the smiles around the dinner table will be worth it!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious blend of crispy chicken, vibrant peppers, and sweet pineapple in a tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dish brings the taste of the restaurant to your kitchen. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

• ¾-1 cup Canola oil for frying
• ½ cup Cornstarch
• 3-4 pieces Chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 pieces Eggs beaten
• ½ cup All-purpose flour plus more if needed
• 1 piece Red bell pepper cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 piece Green bell pepper cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks
• ¾ cup Water
• ⅓ cup Pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup Distilled white vinegar
• ⅓ cup Soy sauce
• ⅓ cup Ketchup
• ½ cup Sugar
• ¼ cup Light brown sugar packed
• ⅛ teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoons Cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water

Instructions

 

• Prepare the sauce: In a medium pot combine water, pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, both sugars, and salt over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, while frying chicken.
• For the chicken, heat 1 to 1½ inches of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Place cornstarch in a large resealable plastic bag, then add chicken pieces. Shake until all the pieces are evenly coated.
• Beat eggs in a small bowl. Place flour in a separate bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into egg, then into flour. Once coated, add to the hot oil.
• Cook chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping with metal tongs, until cooked through and crispy. Once crisp, place chicken on a paper towel–lined plate. Once all the pieces have been cooked, discard all but a few tablespoons of oil.
• Add bell peppers and pineapple to the frying pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until peppers are crisp-tender.
• Meanwhile, finish the sauce by adding cornstarch-water slurry. Mix and bring to a low boil, then cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
• Add the sauce to the pineapple and peppers. Add the chicken and stir to coat.
• Cook until sauce is bubbling, 4 to 5 minutes more.

Notes

• Tip 1: Try adding some additional vegetables to your Sweet and Sour Chicken or swapping out the bell peppers for onions, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or mushrooms.
• Tip 2: Prepare Sweet and Sour Chicken the day before and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to use. Heat it in a slow cooker, oven, or on the stovetop before serving.
• Tip 3: Boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breast.
• Tip 4: Make this a little healthier by skipping the coating and putting the cubed chicken directly into the pan to fry.

Keyword Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken, Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken, Quick Dinner Recipes, Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.