Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: A Tasty Takeout Delight at Home

Posted by Posted: Silvy 30 October 2024
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: A Tasty Takeout Delight at Home

Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that tastes just like your favourite Chinese takeout. This recipe delivers crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet and sour sauce, perfectly complemented by bell peppers and juicy pineapple.

The best part? You can make it at home, impressing your family with a restaurant-quality meal served alongside fluffy rice.

The Perfect Family Meal

This sweet and sour chicken recipe has become a staple in my household. Every time I prepare it, my family can’t get enough. The secret lies in achieving that extra crispy texture, reminiscent of the dishes served at Chinese restaurants.

The Secret to Extra Crispy Chicken

To get that delightful crispiness, I use a simple method involving eggs and cornstarch. First, I whisk the eggs vigorously to create air pockets, which help the chicken achieve that coveted crunch.

After dipping the chicken into the egg mixture, it gets coated in cornstarch. A final dip in the eggs before frying ensures a perfect crisp that holds up during cooking.

This method not only gives the chicken a satisfying crunch but also thickens the sauce, resulting in a shiny glaze that clings to the meat. Adding bell peppers, onions, and pineapple enhances the overall flavour, making this dish an authentic takeout experience.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this delicious sweet and sour chicken, gather the following ingredients:

  • Chicken:
    • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 3 eggs, whisked
    • ¾ cup cornstarch
    • 1 cup vegetable oil (or peanut oil for extra flavour)
  • Sauce:
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Stir-Fry Ingredients:
    • 1 yellow onion, cut into cubes
    • 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
    • 1 orange bell pepper, cut into squares
    • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
    • Green onions, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Toss the chicken pieces in the egg mixture until fully coated.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a high-walled skillet or Dutch oven to 365°F (185°C). Before frying, coat each chicken piece in cornstarch and then dip back into the egg mixture. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a wire rack.
  4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Once all the chicken is fried, remove all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Set the heat to medium-high, then add the diced onions, bell peppers, and pineapple. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  5. Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the fried chicken to the pan, tossing to ensure it’s well-coated with the sauce.
  6. Bake for Final Touch: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, toss again to coat, then spoon more sauce over the chicken. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with a side of fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

  • Hot Oil: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. The chicken should start frying immediately, creating a crisp outer coating.
  • Frying Oil: While vegetable oil works well, peanut oil adds a delightful flavour that enhances this dish.
  • Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or 2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce.
  • Cooking Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with rice. For perfectly cooked rice, boil 2 cups of water with 2 chicken bouillon cubes for flavour. Add 1 cup of rinsed long-grain rice, bring it back to a boil, then cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, remove from heat, and let it stand for an additional 10 minutes.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately. They can be kept for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken from frozen in the microwave or in a greased, covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. The rice can also be reheated in the microwave or wrapped in foil and placed in the oven for 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

This sweet and sour chicken recipe yields approximately 6 servings. The estimated nutritional values per serving are:

  • Calories: 699 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Sugar: 34 g

These values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

Sweet and sour chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make sweet and sour chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and then heat them up before serving. It’s best to cook the rice fresh for the best texture.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

The key to crispy chicken is the double coating of egg and cornstarch, along with frying in sufficiently hot oil. Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded while frying.

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! This sweet and sour sauce works well with various proteins, including shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

Is sweet and sour chicken healthy?

While sweet and sour chicken can be higher in calories due to the frying process and sugar in the sauce, it can be part of a balanced diet. Consider pairing it with lots of vegetables and serving it in moderation.

Conclusion

Making sweet and sour chicken at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can replicate that delicious takeout taste, providing your family with a satisfying meal.

The combination of crispy chicken, colourful vegetables, and tangy sauce is sure to become a favourite in your household.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful flavours of homemade sweet and sour chicken!

References

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