Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the Orient with our delectable Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. This classic dish, originating from the vibrant streets of China, has captured hearts worldwide with its harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Our version stays true to tradition while adding a unique twist that elevates the experience. Succulent chicken pieces are coated in a light batter and fried until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that yields to a tender and juicy interior. The chicken is then enveloped in a vibrant sauce made from a medley of fresh ingredients, including pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. The sauce is a symphony of flavors, with the sweetness of pineapple and sugar balanced by the tanginess of vinegar and the umami richness of soy sauce.
This recipe also includes variations to cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. If you desire a vegetarian option, tofu can be substituted for chicken, providing a protein-packed alternative that absorbs the sauce's delectable flavors just as well. For those who prefer a gluten-free version, we offer a modified batter made from almond flour, ensuring that everyone can savor this beloved dish.
Additionally, we provide a simplified version of the recipe for beginners or those short on time. This streamlined approach utilizes a pre-made sauce, allowing you to whip up a delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken in no time.
Whichever variation you choose, our Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on this culinary adventure to create a dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
Homemade crispy sweet and sour chicken with a better-than-takeout sauce made from store cupboard ingredients! Ready in 25 minutes.
Provided by Nicky Corbishley
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan until very hot.
- Whilst the oil is heating, place the egg in one shallow bowl and the cornflour in another shallow bowl. Add the flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt and paprika to another shallow bowl and mix together.
- Dredge the chicken in the cornflour, then dip in the egg (make sure all of the chicken is covered in egg wash), and finally dredge it in the seasoned flour. Add to the wok and cook on a high heat for 6-7 minutes, turning two or three times during cooking, until well browned. You may need to cook in two batches (I find I can do it in one batch so long as it's no more than 3 chicken breasts). Remove from the pan and place in a bowl lined with kitchen towels.
- Whilst the chicken is cooking, you can start on your sauce.
- Add the oil to a large frying pan/skillet, heat it up on a medium-to-high heat and add in the onions. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the onions start to go translucent.
- Add the peppers and cook for a further minute.
- Add in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute. Add the tomato ketchup, vinegar, dark brown sugar, and the tinned pineapple (including the juicand stir. Bring to the boil, and then turn down the heat and let it bubble (stirring every so ofteuntil slightly thickened.
- Transfer the cooked crispy chicken to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve with boiled or fried rice and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 634 kcal, Carbohydrate 78 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Cholesterol 136 mg, Sodium 1086 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 47 g, ServingSize 1 serving
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
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
Instead of deep-frying chunks of chicken, this streamlined take on an American Chinese restaurant favorite opts for stir-frying it. Sweetness comes from pineapple chunks and juice, plus a touch of brown sugar, while rice wine vinegar delivers that pleasing sour punch.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper and add to pan. Brown chicken and remove to plate. Add red and green peppers and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in pineapple chunks, juice, sugar, vinegar and broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer until sauce begins to reduce. Stir in cornstarch mixture and bring liquid to a simmer. Stir in chicken strips and cook for 5 minutes. Serve over rice.
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN III
This version of the Asian-style favorite includes carrots, bell pepper, garlic and pineapple. The requisite soy sauce and vinegar add the sour to the sweet, and voila! Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired.
Provided by VINEYIS
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Brown chicken in oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrot and garlic and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and soy sauce and mix together; pour mixture into the skillet, along with the pineapple and liquid, vinegar, sugar and ginger. Stir together and bring to a full boil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 259.1 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Cholesterol 58.5 mg, Fat 9.4 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 23.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 603 mg, Sugar 13.9 g
PAN-FRIED SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
Our quick, panfried version of classic Chinese-American dish can be cooked in 22 minutes or less. You can make it with chicken breasts or thighs.
Provided by Rhoda Boone
Categories 22-Minute Meals Takeout at Home Chicken Dinner Pineapple Bell Pepper Kid-Friendly Small Plates
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Whisk cornstarch, pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Pat chicken dry and cut into 1" chunks. Add to cornstarch mixture and toss to coat.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over high. Add half of chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and a light brown crust forms, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir vinegar, honey, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate or bowl. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in skillet and cook remaining chicken, turning occasionally, 3 minutes. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and chicken is cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Add sauce to skillet along with pineapple chunks and first batch of chicken. Toss well to coat in sauce and continue to cook until sauce is reduced and thickened, 1-2 minutes more.
- Divide chicken mixture among plates and top with scallion. Serve with rice alongside.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will give your sweet and sour chicken the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Chicken should be cooked until it is just cooked through, or it will become tough.
- Use a good quality sweet and sour sauce. There are many different brands of sweet and sour sauce available, so be sure to choose one that you like the taste of.
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken over rice or noodles. This will help to soak up the sauce and make the dish more filling.
Conclusion:
Sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give sweet and sour chicken a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#60-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #main-ingredient #preparation #healthy #poultry #chicken #deep-fry #dietary #low-saturated-fat #stir-fry #low-in-something #meat #chicken-breasts #technique
You'll also love