This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe is a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors that will brighten up any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish showcases tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce alongside vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple. It’s not just delicious but also versatile—great for serving over rice or enjoying on its own. Get ready to impress your family with this quick, easy, and irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes each bite irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a stand-alone meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the fruity taste and colorful veggies, ensuring everyone will enjoy their meal.
- Healthier Takeaway: Enjoy the classic takeaway flavor without the extra calories.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfect frying.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and sauces without mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of chicken and vegetables.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while offering a safe space for chopping.
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 Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 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 Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add cornstarch to the bowl and coat the chicken pieces well.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell peppers; sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add grated ginger and garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, demerara sugar, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice; mix well.
- Pour the sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the pan.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add fried chicken back into the pan with sauce; stir to combine.
- Gently fold in drained pineapple pieces; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer everything to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Sweet And Sour Chicken!
How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken is all about enhancing its vibrant flavors and making it a delightful experience for your family or guests. Here are some creative ways to serve this dish that will impress everyone at the table.
On Steamed Rice
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. This absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite a treat.
With Fried Rice
- Pair with fried rice for an extra punch of flavor. The combination of textures and tastes creates a satisfying meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, spoon the sweet and sour chicken into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun, interactive dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
With Noodles
- Serve alongside or over noodles for a heartier dish. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, adding to the overall flavor profile.
As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter
- Include it in a larger stir-fry platter with other vegetables and proteins. This adds variety and color to your meal presentation.
How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Perfecting your Sweet and Sour Chicken requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and pineapple enhance the overall taste of your dish, making it more vibrant.
Coat chicken evenly: Ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch before frying. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Adjust sweetness: Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken. You can adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of frying, leading to less crispy chicken.
Add colors: Incorporate different bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color, making your dish visually appealing.
Garnish thoughtfully: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving adds an attractive finishing touch.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Complementing your Sweet and Sour Chicken with side dishes enhances the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice, eggs, peas, and carrots that pairs perfectly with sweet and sour flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and a lovely green color contrast to your plate.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat offer a delightful crunch alongside this dish.
- Chow Mein: These stir-fried noodles provide a chewy texture that balances well with the sweet sauce.
- Sweet Corn: Buttered corn kernels bring sweetness that complements the tangy chicken nicely.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies is great for those seeking healthier alternatives.
- Garlic Bread: For something unexpected, garlic bread can be served as an interesting twist on traditional sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe, avoiding certain pitfalls can enhance your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less crispy texture. Make sure each piece is well-coated before frying.
Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until golden brown and just cooked through for the best results.
Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables too small can cause them to cook too quickly and lose their crunch. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
Using too much vinegar: Adding excess vinegar can overpower the sweetness. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced flavor.
Not reserving pineapple juice: Forgetting to save pineapple juice means missing out on extra flavor for your sauce. Always set it aside before draining the pineapple.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or reserved juice and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve Sweet And Sour Chicken?
Serving Sweet And Sour Chicken over steamed rice or fried rice enhances its flavor. You can also pair it with noodles for a different twist.
Can I customize my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, or substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
How do I make my sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while cooking. Bring it to a simmer until it thickens.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple adds a delightful texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s ripe for the best taste in your Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe brings together vibrant flavors that are sure to please any palate. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or prefer. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or proteins; this recipe is perfect for making dinner exciting any night of the week!
Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Sweet and Sour Chicken, a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet flavors that will brighten your dinner table. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, featuring tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce with vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple. Whether served over fluffy rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its irresistible taste. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can create a healthier version of a classic takeaway that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast (diced)
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 50 ml vegetable oil
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 6 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Coat with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown; set aside.
- Sauté onion and bell peppers in the same pan until softened, then add garlic.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice. Pour over sautéed vegetables.
- Return the chicken to the pan and combine well. Add drained pineapple pieces; cook until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding chili flakes to the sauce. Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.