Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender, crispy chicken with a vibrant sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. This beloved takeout favorite is not only quick and easy to prepare at home, but it also features colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple, adding freshness and texture to each bite. The crispy chicken is coated in a light batter and fried until golden brown, then tossed in a luscious sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar, and a touch of ketchup. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is sure to please the entire family, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- â…“ cup ketchup
- â…“ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt. Coat them in cornstarch, then dip each piece into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge them in flour, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In a clean skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the crispy chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken hot over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken, a deliciously satisfying dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen!
