Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Sweet and Sour Chicken, a beloved dish that tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. This culinary masterpiece features succulent chicken coated in a crispy, golden-brown batter, smothered in a vibrant sauce that tantalizes the senses. As you bite into the tender chicken, the sweet and sour sauce bursts forth, leaving a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate. Accompanying this delectable main course are three equally enticing recipes: fluffy and aromatic Steamed Rice, a refreshing Cucumber Salad with a tangy dressing, and a luscious Pineapple Chutney that adds a tropical twist to your meal. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with these delightful recipes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast.
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SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
Sweet and Sour Chicken is an American Chinese takeout favorite, made by batter-frying chicken and tossing it in a quick sweet and sour sauce.
Provided by Bill
Categories Chicken
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- Set aside ½ cup of pineapple juice from your can of pineapple, and reserve ⅔ cup of the pineapple chunks (if using). Set aside.
- Combine the hot water, salt, sugar, and ketchup. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved, and then add the vinegar and pineapple juice (if using). If not using pineapple juice, replace with ½ cup water or chicken stock. Set aside.
- Cut your chicken into uniform 1 inch chunks (for even cooking) and place into a bowl. Add the garlic and onion powders, sesame oil, white pepper and salt. Mix until all pieces are uniformly coated, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Any excess water should be fully absorbed by the chicken. If not, mix the chicken again and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
- Mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl, and add 2/3 cup of ice water. Use a fork to mix until a batter is formed, and stir in 1 tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
- The amount of oil you need depends on the size of the pot you will use. Using a larger pot uses more oil, but allows you to cook the chicken in fewer batches. Using a smaller pot uses less oil, but you'll have to fry more batches of chicken. We usually go for a smaller pot, so we have less leftover oil. Heat the oil in a small pot until it reaches 335°F/170°C.
- Place 5 to 6 pieces of marinated chicken into the batter. Use a chopstick, fork, or your fingers to coat the chicken in the batter and place each piece slowly into the oil.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully turn the chicken so all sides are uniformly fried. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is a light golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and let any excess oil drain off before placing onto a rack or paper towel lined plate.
- Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a wok over medium high heat, and add the red onion and peppers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Next, add the sweet and sour sauce you prepared earlier and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so the sauce is simmering.
- Combine the cornstarch and water to make a uniform slurry. While stirring the sweet and sour sauce, drizzle the slurry in gradually until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon (you may not need all of the slurry). Turn down the heat and give the sauce a quick taste--now is the time to add more salt, vinegar or sugar if desired.
- Add the pineapple chunks (if using) and stir until warmed through. Now is the time to refry the chicken to make them nice and crispy. Heat the oil up to 335°F/170°C and fry the chicken in two batches for about 45 seconds each time. Then add the chicken pieces to your sauce, and gently toss with your wok spatula until the chicken is coated. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 466 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 30 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 64 mg, Sodium 741 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
FAVORITE SWEET-AND-SOUR CHICKEN
I first tasted this yummy dish at our friends' home. I immediately asked for the recipe, and we've enjoyed it ever since. But we call it "favorite chicken" at our house! -Lori Burtenshaw, Terreton, Idaho
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry or broth, salt, garlic powder and ginger; add the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate 30 minutes. , Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside. Add enough water to juice to measure 1 cup. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sugar and pineapple juice mixture until smooth; stir in vinegar, ketchup and remaining soy sauce. Set aside., Drain chicken and discard marinade. Place remaining cornstarch in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a large nonstick skillet or wok coated with cooking spray, stir-fry chicken in oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm., Stir pineapple juice mixture and add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken and reserved pineapple; heat through. Serve with rice.,
Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 571mg sodium, Carbohydrate 65g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 26g protein.
Tips:
- To make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the cornstarch, place the chicken in a large bowl and toss it with the cornstarch until it is completely coated.
- To prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. The oil should be shimmering and hot enough to cause a sizzle when the chicken is added.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will not cook evenly.
- To make sure the sauce is evenly distributed over the chicken, stir the chicken and sauce constantly while cooking.
- To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry. A cornstarch slurry is made by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water until a smooth paste forms. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce while cooking until the desired consistency is reached.
Conclusion:
Kimmy's Favorite Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is crispy and tender, and the sauce is sweet, tangy, and flavorful. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and give it a try today!
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