This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe offers a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The dish features tender chicken coated in a vibrant sauce, paired with colorful vegetables and juicy pineapple. Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 45 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of ketchup, vinegar, and sugar creates a deliciously balanced sauce that your taste buds will love.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
- Colorful Presentation: Bright vegetables and pineapple make this dish visually appealing, perfect for special occasions.
- Healthier Option: Compared to takeout versions, this homemade sweet and sour chicken is made with fresh ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or wok: Ideal for frying the chicken evenly while allowing enough space for vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: Great for combining ingredients, ensuring that the cornstarch coats the chicken well.
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))
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, combine diced chicken with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice. Pour this mixture into the skillet with vegetables.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with drained pineapple pieces. Stir well to coat everything in sauce. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving over rice or noodles as desired. Enjoy your homemade Sweet And Sour Chicken!
How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Serving your Sweet and Sour Chicken can elevate the meal experience. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this flavorful dish.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – The fragrant rice complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
- Fried Rice – Adds texture and flavor, making the meal heartier.
In a Wrap
- Lettuce Wraps – Use fresh lettuce leaves to wrap small portions for a fun, low-carb option.
- Tortilla Wraps – Add the chicken mixture in a tortilla for a quick and satisfying meal on-the-go.
As a Salad
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Salad – Toss with mixed greens, pineapple chunks, and a light dressing for a refreshing take.
- Coleslaw Side – A crunchy slaw adds contrast to the tender chicken and sauce.
On Skewers
- Grilled Skewers – Slide pieces onto skewers for grilling, perfect for outdoor gatherings or barbecues.
How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Mastering the art of Sweet and Sour Chicken can make your dish truly shine. Here are some helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and pineapple enhance flavor and texture significantly.
- Marinate Chicken – Marinating your chicken in soy sauce before cooking adds depth to the dish.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness – If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more cornstarch mixed with water.
- Balance Flavors – Taste as you go! Adjust sugar or vinegar according to your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- Keep it Crispy – Fry chicken pieces in batches to ensure they turn out crispy rather than soggy.
- Experiment with Veggies – Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
Pairing sides with your Sweet and Sour Chicken can enhance the overall meal. Here are some delightful options:
- Fried Rice – A classic companion that soaks up all those delicious flavors from the chicken.
- Egg Fried Rice – Incorporate scrambled eggs into fried rice for added protein and richness.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli offers great balance to the sweet sauce.
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that complements the dish well.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad that cuts through the sweetness of the chicken with its crispness.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A healthy twist that adds nutty flavor while keeping it light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the cornstarch coating – Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less crispy texture. Make sure to toss the chicken pieces well in cornstarch before frying.
- Overcrowding the pan – This can cause the chicken to steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy dish. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary for optimal crispiness.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements – Using too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the balance of flavors. Measure each ingredient carefully for the best results.
- Not letting it rest – Allowing your Sweet And Sour Chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step for maximum taste.
- Using low-quality ingredients – The quality of your ingredients matters. Choose fresh vegetables and good-quality soy sauce for a richer flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Sweet And Sour Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place chicken on a baking tray covered with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. Stir-fry until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chop vegetables ahead of time. However, cooking the chicken just before serving ensures it stays crispy and flavorful.
What variations can I try with this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different flavors.
How do I store leftovers from my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just ensure it’s ripe and cut into similar-sized pieces as the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Try it out, and enjoy bringing this Chinese-inspired dish right into your home!
Sweet And Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a taste of Asian cuisine to your dinner table. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar, complemented by colorful vegetables and juicy pineapple. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish offers both visual appeal and delectable taste. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
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
- 432 g canned pineapple pieces (drained)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, coat the diced chicken with cornstarch and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry onions and bell peppers for about 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice in a bowl; pour into the skillet.
- Add back the cooked chicken and drained pineapple; stir well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Consider marinating your chicken briefly in soy sauce before cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition.
