Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Homemade Favorite
This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken pieces with colorful bell peppers and pineapple, all coated in a tangy and sweet sauce. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right into your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious dish at home!
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed
To make this delightful Sweet and Sour Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat each piece with cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks.
- Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet.
- Stir everything together until the chicken is coated in the sauce and heated through.
Serve:
Serve hot over steamed rice or with a side of your choice.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
Notes:
- For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by adding more or less sugar and vinegar.
How Kids Can Help with This Recipe
Cooking with kids is not only fun but also educational. Here’s how your little chefs can help with this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe:
- Coating the Chicken: Kids can help coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch and dip them into the beaten eggs. It’s a bit messy but lots of fun!
- Stirring the Sauce: Let them whisk together the sauce ingredients. They’ll love watching the sauce come together.
- Adding Ingredients: Allow them to add the vegetables and pineapple chunks to the skillet. They’ll feel like real chefs adding ingredients to the pan.
How to Store Leftovers
Sweet and Sour Chicken makes great leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to the sauce to loosen it up.
Substitutions and Additions
Customize your Sweet and Sour Chicken with these substitutions and additions:
- Protein: Use shrimp, pork, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Sauce: For a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works great and adds a delightful burst of flavor.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.
Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors will make your taste buds dance.
- Colorful: The vibrant mix of vegetables and pineapple chunks makes this dish visually appealing.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and enjoying the final product.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different proteins and vegetables.
Nutritional Value
Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
Shortcuts and Alternative Versions
- Baked Chicken: For a healthier version, bake the chicken pieces at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Pre-made Sauce: Use a store-bought sweet and sour sauce to save time.
- One-Pan Version: Cook everything in one pan by stir-frying the chicken first, then adding the vegetables and sauce.
History and Cultural Aspects
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, but its roots can be traced back to traditional Chinese cooking. The concept of balancing sweet and sour flavors is a staple in many Asian dishes. Over time, this dish has been adapted to suit Western tastes, becoming a beloved takeout favorite. In Chinese cuisine, sweet and sour flavors often come from ingredients like vinegar and sugar, combined with savory elements to create a harmonious taste.
Myths About Sweet and Sour Chicken
Myth: Sweet and Sour Chicken is difficult to make at home.
Fact: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make restaurant-quality Sweet and Sour Chicken right in your kitchen.
Myth: You need special ingredients to make Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Fact: Most ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store.
Experimenting with Ingredients
Encourage kids to get creative with their Sweet and Sour Chicken:
- Choose Your Veggies: Let them pick their favorite vegetables to add to the dish.
- Customize the Sauce: Allow them to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less sugar and vinegar.
- Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the chicken into fun shapes before cooking.
Foods That Go Well with Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: Adds extra flavor and texture to the meal.
- Spring Rolls: A crunchy appetizer that complements the dish.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add more veggies for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Family Style: Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken in a large bowl for everyone to share.
- Individual Plates: Plate the chicken and vegetables over a bed of rice for a beautiful presentation.
- Lunch Boxes: Pack leftovers in lunch boxes for a tasty meal on the go.
Personal Message
Sweet and Sour Chicken has always been a favorite in our household. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the delightful aroma filled the kitchen, and my kids couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s a joy to see their faces light up as they help with the cooking, from coating the chicken to stirring the sauce. This recipe not only brings delicious flavors to the table but also creates wonderful memories with loved ones.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a tasty meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring the delicious taste of Chinese takeout right to your home kitchen. So why wait? Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe today and enjoy a delightful culinary experience with your loved ones.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Boneless Chicken Breast, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Cornstarch
- 2 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Eggs, beaten
- This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper
- 1/4 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Vegetable Oil, for frying
Vegetables:
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Yellow Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Onion, chopped
- 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Pineapple, canned or fresh
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Sugar
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Rice Vinegar
- 1/4 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat each piece with cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks.
- Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet.
- Stir everything together until the chicken is coated in the sauce and heated through.
Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed rice or with a side of your choice.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by adding more or less sugar and vinegar.
Nutrition
Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love
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