Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Chinese Takeout Favorite Made at Home

Discover how to make Sweet and Sour Chicken at home with this simple and delicious recipe. Crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet sauce, combined with vibrant vegetables, delivers the perfect balance of flavors. A healthier and fresher alternative to takeout, this dish is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

The Sauce:

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (or water for a less sweet version)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Mix cornstarch and flour in a bowl.
2. Dip chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy (about 5-6 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.

2. Make the Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, mix rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to combine.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Toss in the pineapple chunks and stir for an additional minute.

4. Combine Everything:

1. Add the fried chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

Nutritional Highlights:

1. Protein-Packed: Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle health.
2. Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers and pineapple are loaded with vitamins C and A.
3. Balanced Flavors: Sweet, sour, and savory notes make it satisfying and wholesome.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

A: Yes! Bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Substitute cornstarch for flour and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Q: Can I use other proteins?

A: Absolutely! Try pork, shrimp, or tofu for a twist on the classic dish.

“Try this homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe and enjoy takeout-style flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let us know your favorite twist on this classic dish in the comments below!”

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