How to Make Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that combines the perfect balance of flavors. The sweet and tangy sauce coats tender chicken pieces, creating a dish that is both savory and satisfying. This recipe provides a simple and easy way to make this popular Chinese takeout dish at home, allowing you to enjoy it whenever you crave it. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten eggs.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the bell pepper and onion. Cook until they begin to soften.
5. Add the pineapple chunks and the sauce mixture to the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and stir until the sauce coats the chicken and everything is heated through.
7. Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.

About the Main Ingredients

Chicken: Chicken is a lean source of protein that is versatile and easy to cook. It is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a meaty texture and absorbing the flavors of the sweet and sour sauce.

Bell Pepper and Onion: These vegetables add color, flavor, and texture to the dish. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, making the dish more nutritious.

Pineapple: Pineapple adds a natural sweetness to the dish and pairs well with the tangy sauce. It also provides vitamin C and manganese, among other nutrients.

Sauce: The sauce is what gives sweet and sour chicken its signature flavor. It combines the sweetness of ketchup and brown sugar with the tanginess of vinegar and soy sauce, creating a deliciously balanced sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.