Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish known for its balance of tangy sweetness and savory flavors. It typically features crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, sticky sauce made with ingredients like sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and sometimes pineapple juice. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sweet and sour sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder (optional)
For garnish:
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken:
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beaten egg and cold water to the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter. Adjust the water to get the right consistency—it should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too runny.
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the batter and carefully fry them in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the oil and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Make the sweet and sour sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice (if using), garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once it begins to simmer, stir in the cornstarch-water slurry to thicken the sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Combine the chicken and sauce:
- In a large bowl or skillet, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the sweet and sour sauce until evenly coated. You can also add some chopped bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks at this stage if you like.
4. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade sweet and sour chicken! It’s crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
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