Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. The combination of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and a sweet and tangy sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make sweet and sour chicken for 4 people:

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped green and red bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the white vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, and cornstarch.
6. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Transfer the sweet and sour chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot with rice and vegetables.

Vegetarian/Vegan Variation

To make a vegetarian/vegan version of this recipe, simply substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite meat alternative. You can also omit the egg in the batter if you’re making a vegan version.

Gluten-Free Variation

To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check that your soy sauce is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. This recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family and can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs. Try it out and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this classic Chinese dish!

FAQ

What is Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Sweet and Sour Chicken?

You will need chicken breast, cornstarch, egg, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use other proteins such as pork or shrimp to make sweet and sour dishes.

How do I make the chicken crispy?

To make the chicken crispy, coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and egg before frying them in oil until they are golden brown.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, reheat the sauce and add it to the cooked chicken.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Simply peel and chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces before adding it to the dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan and using a plant-based egg substitute.

Can I freeze Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Sweet and Sour Chicken. Allow the dish to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. The dish will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can make this dish spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the sauce.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Sweet and Sour Chicken is often served with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Additionally, you can serve it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.