Sweet & Sour Chicken

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce.

Sweet & Sour Chicken:

A crispy, tangy, and savory dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Sweet & Sour Chicken is coated in a golden crispy layer, then smothered in a flavorful, sticky sauce, and served with stir-fried veggies.

Ingredients:

1- For the chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

2- For the sweet and sour sauce:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup sugar (or honey for a healthier version)
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• 1 tbsp water (for the sauce)

3- For the stir-fry:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:
   • In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat them thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture.
   • Heat ½ cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
2. Make the sweet and sour sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice (if using). In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry.
   • Pour the sauce mixture into a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables:
   • In the same skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Combine the chicken and sauce:
   • Add the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
   • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
5. Serve:
   • Serve your Sweet & Sour Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations :

• Protein Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, or broccoli to the stir-fry for more texture and nutrients.
• Healthy Twist: Replace the sugar with honey or a sugar substitute to make it a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a little Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce if you like a spicy version of this dish.

Enjoy your meal!