Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines crispy chicken chunks with a tangy, sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. The balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it irresistible, and it’s a perfect dish to serve with steamed rice or noodles. Here’s a simple recipe for making Sweet and Sour Chicken at home:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cold water (or more, as needed for batter)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 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 to create a slurry)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness and flavor)
For Stir-Frying:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg with 1/2 cup cold water to make a batter. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more water until it’s smooth and coats the chicken pieces evenly.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. Shake off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger (if using). Stir everything together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer.
- Once simmering, slowly add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- If you want the sauce to be a bit sweeter or more complex, you can add pineapple juice at this stage. Stir well and remove the sauce from heat.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or wok, add a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
- Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just to warm them through.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat the chicken through and allow the sauce to slightly caramelize.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed white rice or alongside your favorite noodles.
Tips:
- Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-dip the chicken pieces—dip them in the egg and flour mixture, then dip again and coat thoroughly before frying.
- Variations: Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or baby corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier chicken option.
- Healthier Option: For a lighter version, try baking the battered chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy, instead of frying.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your preference. If you prefer a more tart sauce, reduce the sugar and increase the vinegar slightly.
This Sweet and Sour Chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its crispy chicken and tangy-sweet sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving takeout-style food at home!