SPECIAL SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN RECIPE

Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Classic Favorite

Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. Originating from Chinese cuisine, it has gained worldwide popularity due to its balanced flavors and appealing texture. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy elements that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg and mix in the water and vegetable oil.
3. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
5. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
6. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
7. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel.

Making the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, then bring to a simmer.
4. Add the bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Combining the Dish

1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the sweet and sour sauce.
2. Allow the chicken to absorb the flavors for a minute before removing from heat.
3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Crispier Chicken: Double-fry the chicken pieces by frying them once at 325°F (163°C) for a light golden color, then frying them again at 375°F (190°C) for extra crunch.
• Balanced Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and sourness to taste by adding more sugar or vinegar as needed.
• Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and garlic before battering for added depth of flavor.

Variations

• Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the battered chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the sweet and sour sauce for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and sour chicken is an easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With its crispy texture and vibrant sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory in every bite!