Sweet and Sour Chicken

 

Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Classic Dish Bursting with Flavor 🍗🍍

Few dishes are as universally loved as sweet and sour chicken. Its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even entertaining guests. And the best part? You can make this restaurant-style favorite at home without the hassle or takeout prices.

This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious sweet and sour sauce, colorful vegetables, and a satisfying crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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🥄 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup cornstarch or flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar

• 1/4 cup sugar or honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional for extra sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Vegetables (optional but recommended):

• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), chopped

• Pineapple chunks

• Onion, sliced

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

   • Dip each piece in beaten eggs, then coat with cornstarch or flour.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.

   • Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine and Cook:

   • In a large pan or wok, sauté vegetables until slightly tender.

   • Add the fried chicken and pour the sweet and sour sauce over everything.

   • Toss to coat evenly and heat through.

5. Serve:

   • Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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🌟 Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

• For extra crunch, fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

• Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your taste for a sweeter or tangier sauce.

• Use fresh pineapple for a juicier, more flavorful dish.

• Tossing the vegetables quickly in the pan ensures they remain crisp and vibrant.

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🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Flavor: Tangy, sweet, and savory all in one bite.

• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or protein variations.

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

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✅ Final Thought

Sweet and sour chicken is a timeless favorite that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a glossy sweet and sour sauce, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy nights or special occasions. Once you try it, takeout might just become a thing of the past.