This sweet-and-sour chicken recipe is an irresistible combination of crispy chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. It’s a classic Chinese-inspired dish, popular for its vibrant colors and bold flavors. In this recipe, we bring together tender chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and juicy pineapple to create a deliciously flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- For the chicken:
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch blended with 2 tbsp warm water
- For the stir-fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions: for Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor. In a bowl, whisk the egg and coat the chicken pieces thoroughly. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch until evenly covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan and fry them until they turn golden and crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let the oil drain off properly.
- Craft the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to blend harmoniously. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Set aside.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, sautéing them for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve: Add the crispy chicken to the stir-fried vegetables, then drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Stir gently to ensure the chicken and vegetables are fully coated in the sauce. Allow everything to cook for an additional minute to absorb the flavors.
Serve this with steamed rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. The crispy chicken combined with the sweet, tangy sauce and fresh vegetables makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser.
This sweet-and-sour chicken recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you crave something flavorful and homemade. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors guarantees that it will become a staple in your kitchen.
