Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken: Tangy and Crispy

Sweet and Sour ChickenPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy and sweet sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Get the Recipe Details: Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch: 1/2 cup
• Vegetable Oil: For frying
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
• Pineapple Chunks: 1 cup (fresh or canned)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
• Green Onions: 4, chopped

For the Sauce:

• Pineapple Juice: 1/2 cup
• Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Ketchup: 3 tablespoons
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the bell peppers, pineapple chunks, garlic, and ginger for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens about 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The crispy chicken, paired with the vibrant vegetables and pineapple, creates a visually appealing and delicious meal. This homemade version is healthier and just as tasty as any takeout, making it a great addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy this classic dish with your loved ones and savor the wonderful flavors in every bite!