Sweet n Sour Chicken

Sweet n Sour Chicken is a classic dish that brings together the perfect combination of flavors – sweet and tangy. This Chinese-inspired recipe is beloved worldwide for its crispy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious sauce that coats every morsel.

Crispy chicken tossed in a tangy ketchup based sauce, balanced with the sweetness of pineapple, what's not to love? It seems complicated, but it's not! Make the sauce, fry the chicken, and toss with stir fried vegetables. Easy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor - sweet and tangy flavors in the sauce creates a flavor explosion that will satisfy your cravings.
• Adaptable - adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness according to your preferences.
• Quick and Easy - this sweet and sour chicken recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
• Family-Friendly - especially loved kids, this dish is a crowd-pleaser
• Healthier Than Takeout - you have control over the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 pound (500g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Sweet n Sour Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• ¾ cup sugar
• juice from pineapple can (about ¼ cup)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Stir Fry

• 1 green bell pepper cut into small cubes
• 1 red bell pepper cut into small cubes
• 1 can of pineapple chunks reserve juice for sauce
• ½ white onion cut into wedges
• 2 cloves garlic

How to Make Sweet n Sour Chicken

Sweet n Sour Sauce

1. In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, rice wine vinegar, sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce.
2. Bring to a boil, and reduce to simmer.
3. Prepare a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch and water) and add to the Sweet n Sour Sauce.
4. Simmer for 1 minute, remove from heat and set aside.

Chicken

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
2. In small batches, dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it with the flour mixture. Repeat for all the chicken pieces.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Sweet n Sour Stir Fry

1. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and lightly charred.
2. Return the fried chicken pieces to the wok and toss with the vegetables.
3. Add sauce until everything is well coated.
4. Pour the Sweet n Sour sauce. Toss to coat until heated through.

How to Serve Sweet n Sour Chicken

• Steamed Rice - best served over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice will absorb the tangy sauce, complementing the flavors of the dish.
• Fried Rice - add some extra flavor and texture to your meal with fried rice.
• Chow Mein or Lo Mein - Chinese-style noodles are a fantastic accompaniment to sweet and sour chicken. Stir-fry your favorite vegetables with noodles and a savory sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Pineapple Fried Rice - elevate the tropical flavors of sweet and sour chicken by serving it alongside pineapple fried rice, featuring diced pineapple, cashews, and other flavorful ingredients.

Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce

Pro Tip: Use this recipe to make a Sweet n Sour Dipping Sauce. Perfect for dipping chicken nuggets or chicken strips, fries or wedges, or spring rolls or wontons. Easy to prepare in advance, remember the sauce thickens as it cools.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Customize Vegetables - add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or broccoli florets. Ensure they are cut into even sizes for even cooking.
• Protein Substitutes - change chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu to create a unique twist on this classic dish.
• Marinate the Chicken - toss through Soy Sauce, Chinese Cooking Wine and Garlic and marinate for at least 1 hour before tossing in flour mixture.
• Adjusting the Sweetness - add more or less sugar according to your taste preferences, and how sweet the pineapple juice is!
• Spicy Kick - add sliced red chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Crispy Coating - make an extra crispy texture by double-coating the chicken pieces with flour, cornstarch, and eggs before frying.
• Small Batches - fry in small batches so chicken isn't greasy, be patient!
• Healthier Cooking Methods - for a lighter version, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and bake in the oven instead of frying it. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While the chicken is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to save time. Cook the chicken and stir-fry the vegetables just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?

Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant sweetness to the dish. However, you need to juice off the canned pineapple for the sauce, or add pineapple juice. Simply peel and cut the pineapple into chunks to use in the recipe.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to maintain moisture.

Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and ensuring that the soy sauce you choose is gluten-free as well. Check the labels of your chosen ingredients to be sure.

Asian Dinner Recipes You'll Love

• Kimchi Fried Rice
• Homemade Honey Sesame Chicken
• Zucchini Stir Fry
• Authentic Chicken Teriyaki
• How to Cook Snow Peas
• Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
• Asian Lettuce Wraps
• Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
• Cauliflower Fried Rice

Chinese Sweet n Sour, with its crispy chicken, colorful stir-fried vegetables, and a delicious sauce, is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to savor perfect sweet and sour in every bite. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted September 2017, updated May 2023

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