Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: Easy, Delicious & Quick

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g chicken breast cut into cubes
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 beaten egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), cubed
• Canned pineapple chunks, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Dip each cube in the beaten egg, then in the cornstarch, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep pot or skillet. Fry the chicken cubes in small batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, mix the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, and water. Bring to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In another pan, sauté the garlic and onion until golden. Add the bell pepper and, if desired, the pineapple. Sauté for a few minutes.
5. Combine everything: Add the sweet and sour sauce to the sautéed vegetables. Mix well and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Finish: Add the fried sweet and sour chicken cubes to the sauce. Gently toss to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
7. Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot, with white rice or steamed vegetables.

Tips and Variations

• For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce.
• You can add other vegetables to the sauce, such as sliced carrots or broccoli.
• Substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless thighs cut into cubes for a juicier version.
• Serve the sweet and sour chicken with toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
• Sweet and sour chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

CHEF’s Tips

The key to perfect sweet and sour chicken lies in balancing the flavors. Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce to suit your taste. Using fresh, good-quality ingredients makes all the difference in the final result. To ensure the chicken stays crispy for longer, fry it in very hot oil and don’t overcrowd the pan. If you want a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Also, cornstarch is essential for creating a crispy coating around the chicken. Try marinating the chicken in a little soy sauce before breading to intensify the flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible aroma and taste.