sweet & sour chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sweet & sour chicken recipe

I love cooking sweet and sour chicken for my family, it’s a classic dish that never fails to impress.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m excited to share it with you.

The dish originated from Chinese cuisine, where it was known as

Sweet and Sour Chicken

4.6 from 759 votes

A classic dish featuring tender chicken pieces in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, served with crispy bell peppers and onions. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

500g boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg beaten

For the Sauce

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Stir Fry

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper cut into chunks

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
2Toss to coat evenly.
3Add beaten egg and mix until chicken is well coated.
Set aside.
4Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Once hot, add chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
7In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch mixture, salt, and black pepper.
8Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
9Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
10In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat.
11Add onion and bell peppers.
12Stir-fry until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
13Add the fried chicken to the skillet and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top.
14Toss to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Deep fryer or large skillet
Saucepan
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Chicken Works

I love serving sweet and sour chicken at family gatherings because everyone loves it – kids and adults alike! It’s also perfect for meal prep because it’s easy to reheat and serves well over steamed rice or noodles.

To store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat leftovers by placing them in a microwave-safe dish until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Chicken

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily during cooking. To prevent this, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes before cooking to help keep them juicy. Also, be sure not to overcook them.

2. Can I make sweet and sour chicken without deep-frying?

Yes, you can make sweet and sour chicken without deep-frying. You can bake or air-fry the chicken pieces instead. To do this, toss the chicken in cornstarch and bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. For the air-fryer, cook at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

3. Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time. In fact, I often do this to save time on busy weeknights. Simply mix all the sauce ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, give it a quick stir and heat it up in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the dish. Sweet and sour chicken is quite versatile, and you can add any vegetables you like. Some great options include broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Just make sure to cook the vegetables separately first so they don’t get too soggy.

5. Can I make sweet and sour chicken in the slow cooker?

While you can make sweet and sour chicken in the slow cooker, the texture will be different from the traditional stir-fried method. The chicken will be more tender and shredded, and the sauce will be thinner. To make it in the slow cooker, simply combine the chicken, vegetables, and sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

6. Can I use a different type of vinegar in the sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar in the sauce. White vinegar is commonly used, but you can also use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that using a different type of vinegar may slightly alter the flavor of the sauce. If you use a vinegar with a stronger flavor, you may need to adjust the amount used to suit your taste.

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