Why Make This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular dish that combines tender chicken with bright flavors. The balance of sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar against the tangy rice vinegar makes this dish a favorite for many. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be served over rice for a complete meal.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 50g Cornstarch
• 5g Salt
• 2g Black pepper
• 250ml Vegetable oil, for frying
• 250ml Pineapple juice
• 50ml Rice vinegar
• 50g Ketchup
• 50g Brown sugar
• 30ml Soy sauce
• 15g Cornstarch
• 60ml Water
• 200g Pineapple chunks
• 150g Bell peppers, diced
• 50g Spring onions, chopped
• Cooked rice, for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Add cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, diced bell peppers, and chopped spring onions to the saucepan. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
6. Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with additional spring onions, if desired.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is best served hot over a bed of cooked rice. You can add extra spring onions on top for a fresh touch. Pair it with a simple salad or stir-fried vegetables to make the meal complete.

How to Store Sweet and Sour Chicken

After enjoying your Sweet and Sour Chicken, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch to get a nice crispy texture.
• Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce according to your taste by adding more sugar or vinegar.
• For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.

Variation

You can add different vegetables to your Sweet and Sour Chicken, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Additionally, some people like to use prawns or tofu instead of chicken for variation.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for even cooking.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari which is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

3. Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve to ensure the chicken stays crispy.