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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe features crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a tangy, flavorful sweet and sour sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, and spices. Paired with colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a classic takeout favorite made right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional, reserved from canned pineapple)
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

Chicken

  • 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1–2 tablespoons water
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Batter

  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2/3 cup ice water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil, plus more for frying)

Other Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup canned pineapple chunks (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/4 cup red onion (cut into 1-inch/2.5cm chunks)
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch/2.5cm chunks)
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch/2.5cm chunks)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup hot water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional), and 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut 12 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons water, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/8 teaspoon white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let it marinate briefly while preparing the batter.
  3. Make the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Slowly add 2/3 cup ice water and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, stirring just until combined to form a smooth batter.
  4. Coat and Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter, then gently place into the hot oil. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Sauté Vegetables and Pineapple: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup red onion chunks, 1/4 cup red bell pepper chunks, and 1/4 cup green bell pepper chunks. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add 2/3 cup canned pineapple chunks if using.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Serve: Transfer the sweet and sour chicken to a serving dish and serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, or chicken breast for leaner meat.
  • If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon.
  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Adjust the level of vinegar to your taste preference for tanginess.
  • The pineapple juice and chunks are optional but add authentic sweetness and texture to the dish.

Keywords: Sweet and sour chicken, crispy chicken, Chinese takeout, homemade sweet and sour sauce, fried chicken recipe

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/sweet-and-sour-chicken-recipe/