Do you crave the tangy and sweet flavors of sweet and sour chicken, but don’t want to make a lengthy trip to the nearest Chinese restaurant? What if I told you there was an easy recipe that could satisfy your craving in just 15 minutes? That’s right, you can whip up a homemade version of this classic dish that tastes even better than takeout! Not only is it healthier, but it’s also less expensive and faster than calling for delivery. Are you ready to discover the secrets to making the best sweet and sour chicken at home?
Key Takeaways:
- This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe takes just 15 minutes to make.
- It’s a homemade version that’s healthier, less expensive, and faster than takeout.
- The sweet and sour sauce is the star of the dish, with the perfect balance of flavors.
- Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking helps keep it moist and tender.
- Serve this delicious sweet and sour chicken over rice or with veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken
Creating a delicious sweet and sour chicken dish requires a combination of carefully selected ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Granulated sugar |
| Brown sugar |
| Apple cider vinegar |
| Ketchup |
| Low-sodium soy sauce |
| Sesame oil |
| Garlic |
| Cornstarch |
| Chicken breasts |
| Olive oil |
| Salt |
| Pepper |
| Green onions (optional, for serving) |
| Sesame seeds (optional, for serving) |
These ingredients are vital for preparing both the lip-smacking sweet and sour sauce and cooking the tender chicken to perfection. The combination of tangy sweetness from the sugars, the tanginess from apple cider vinegar, and the depth of flavor added by ketchup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic come together harmoniously in this dish.
By using cornstarch to coat the chicken before cooking, you’ll achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the meat moist and tender on the inside. The addition of optional green onions and sesame seeds for serving adds a delightful touch.
Now that we know what ingredients to gather, let’s dive into the process of making homemade sweet and sour chicken in the next section.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
To make sweet and sour chicken, you’ll need to start by preparing the delicious sweet and sour sauce. Follow these simple steps:
- Combine the following ingredients in a saucepan:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Bring the sauce to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a cornstarch-water mixture. Slowly pour this mixture into the boiling sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the sauce from heat.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Coat each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Coat the chicken with sauce: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy! Transfer the sweet and sour chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
| Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Minced garlic | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken breasts | 2-3 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green onions (optional, for serving) | Sliced, for garnish |
| Sesame seeds (optional, for serving) | For garnish |
What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a delicious dish that combines the flavors of tangy sweetness and savory chicken. To create a well-balanced meal, it’s important to choose the right side dishes that complement and enhance the flavors of the main dish. Here are a few options to consider when deciding what to serve with sweet and sour chicken:
Rice:
Rice is a classic and popular choice to serve with sweet and sour chicken. The soft and fluffy texture of rice pairs perfectly with the flavorful sauce, allowing you to soak up every bit of goodness. Whether you prefer jasmine rice, white rice, or brown rice, it will provide a neutral base that allows the sweet and sour flavors to shine.
Steamed Vegetables:
To add some freshness and nutritional value to your meal, consider serving sweet and sour chicken with steamed vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and sugar snap peas are all excellent choices. The crisp-tender texture and vibrant colors of these vegetables create a visually appealing contrast to the rich sweet and sour sauce.
Stir-fried Veggies:
If you prefer a more robust and flavorful side dish, stir-fried vegetables are a great option. Sautéed broccoli, bok choy, and mushrooms tossed in a light garlic sauce can add depth and variety to your meal. The stir-frying process helps to retain the crunchiness of the vegetables while infusing them with a delicious aroma.
Pineapple Chunks:
If you want to add a tropical twist to your sweet and sour chicken, consider including pineapple chunks as a side or incorporated into the dish. The natural sweetness and tanginess of pineapple complement the flavors of the chicken and the sauce, creating a delightful combination.
Experiment with these side dish options and find the combination that suits your taste. Whether you choose rice, steamed vegetables, stir-fried veggies, or pineapple chunks, these accompaniments will complete your meal and take your sweet and sour chicken experience to the next level.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Rice | A neutral base that allows the sweet and sour flavors to stand out. |
| Steamed Vegetables | Crisp-tender vegetables that provide freshness and visual contrast. |
| Stir-fried Veggies | Robust and flavorful vegetables with a delightful crunch. |
| Pineapple Chunks | A tropical twist that adds sweetness and tanginess to the dish. |
Storage Instructions for Sweet and Sour Chicken
Once you have enjoyed your delicious homemade sweet and sour chicken, you may be wondering how to store the leftovers for later enjoyment. Proper storage is crucial to maintain the flavor and texture of the dish.
To store sweet and sour chicken, follow these simple instructions:
| Step | Storage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Transfer the chicken to an airtight container. If you have served the dish with rice, it is best to store the chicken and rice separately to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. |
| 2 | Place the container in the refrigerator. Sweet and sour chicken can be stored for up to five days. |
When reheating the sweet and sour chicken, it is important to do it right to maintain its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as it can make it lose its crispiness. Instead, use a skillet with a little oil to reheat the chicken. Heat it until it is warm and crispy.
Remember to always store leftovers promptly, refrigerate them at the correct temperature, and consume them within a safe time frame to prevent foodborne illnesses.
With these storage instructions, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of sweet and sour chicken even after it has been prepared. So go ahead and savor this tasty dish whenever you’re in the mood for a quick and satisfying meal!
Tips for Reheating Sweet and Sour Chicken:
To maintain the crispy texture of sweet and sour chicken when reheating, follow these tips:
- Use a skillet with a little oil instead of microwaving the chicken.
- Heat the chicken on medium heat until warmed through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Be patient and don’t rush the process to achieve the desired crispiness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sweet and sour chicken is a timeless Chinese dish that you can easily recreate at home using basic ingredients. This homemade version far surpasses the quality of takeout and gives you the freedom to customize the flavors according to your preferences. The key to its success lies in the perfect balance of sweet and sour, the tenderness of the chicken, and the crispy coating. It’s a dish that never fails to impress and is sure to please the entire family. Give this easy sweet and sour chicken recipe a try today for a delicious and satisfying meal.
With its tantalizing blend of flavors, sweet and sour chicken is an exquisite combination of savory and tangy tastes. The tender chicken pieces, coated in a crispy and golden exterior, deliver a delightful mouthful in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or want to impress guests at a dinner party, this dish is a true winner. Its versatility also allows for endless variations, making it even more exciting to prepare. Many consider this recipe the best sweet and sour chicken they’ve ever tasted.
Say goodbye to mediocre takeout and say hello to the best sweet and sour chicken you’ve ever had. The homemade version not only delivers on taste but also provides the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your meal. Prepare this irresistible dish in the comfort of your own kitchen and take pride in serving a restaurant-quality creation. From its deliciously tangy sauce to its crispy chicken, this sweet and sour chicken recipe will win over your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
FAQ
How long does it take to make this easy sweet and sour chicken recipe?
This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe takes just 15 minutes to make, making it a perfect dish for a quick dinner.
What makes this homemade sweet and sour chicken better than takeout?
This homemade version tastes way better than takeout and is healthier, less expensive, and faster than calling for takeout.
What is the sweet and sour sauce made of?
The sweet and sour sauce is made with ingredients including granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, cornstarch, and water.
How do I cook the chicken?
To cook the chicken, you need to coat it with a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Then, fry the coated chicken in a skillet with olive oil until it is cooked through.
How should I serve this sweet and sour chicken?
You can serve this delicious sweet and sour chicken over rice or with veggies for a complete meal. It pairs well with steamed vegetables or stir-fried veggies like broccoli or sugar snap peas.
Can I add pineapple to this dish?
Yes, adding pineapple chunks is a popular variation that adds a hint of sweetness and tanginess to complement the flavors of the chicken.
How long can I store the sweet and sour chicken?
You can store the sweet and sour chicken in the refrigerator for up to five days. It is best to store the chicken and rice (if using) in separate containers to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
When reheating the chicken, it is recommended to use a skillet with a little oil instead of microwaving it to maintain the crispy texture. Reheat the chicken until it is warm and crisp.
What makes this homemade sweet and sour chicken special?
This homemade sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish that can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients. It is much better than takeout and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, tangy, and sweet sauce. It’s a popular dish known for its perfect balance of flavors, often including pineapple, bell peppers, and onion, which add freshness and a slight crunch.
Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons ketchup
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
1. I cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and seasoned them with salt and pepper.
2. Preheating the oven to 325ºF.
3. I placed the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and the eggs in a separate bowl. I added vegetable oil to a large skillet and heated it over medium-high heat. Working in batches, I dredged the chicken in cornstarch, then dipped it in the egg, and added it to the hot oil, browning it on all sides. I didn’t need to cook the chicken through; the goal was to brown the outside for a crispy exterior. I transferred the chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish and continued with the remaining chicken.
4. In a bowl, I combined the sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. I poured the sauce over the top of the chicken.
5. I baked the chicken for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Then, I served it over prepared rice.
Enjoying this dish brings a delightful blend of sweet and sour flavors!
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Adjust the sweetness or sourness of the sauce to taste by modifying the amounts of sugar and vinegar.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying/Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg