Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken

It’s one of our favorite meals to eat out – sweet and sour chicken. Whenever we’re at our favorite Chinese food restaurant, one of us always orders this dish. There’s something about that contrast of crunchy with sweet that is just so comforting and delicious. As much as we love the convenience of eating out, there’s something to be said about recreating our favorite restaurant dishes right in the comfort of our own kitchen. We’ve found a great at-home version of this classic menu item, an easy sweet n’ sour chicken that rivals what we get when we eat out.

The sauce is super important here, as it’s the glue that brings all elements of the dish together. We whisk several different ingredients together, including brown sugar and honey along with rice vinegar and soy sauce. Sweet and sour are a lovely combination, but so too is sweet and heat, so for that reason we occasionally like to use a chili pepper, seeded and diced, to bring a little kick into each bite of the dish. Of course, feel free to skip the heat if it’s too much for your hungry bunch. We like to use diced red bell pepper too.

A tender chicken breast comes from a light batter that coats the chicken, locking in moisture. We fry it to perfection then give it a few minutes to rest. While the chicken rests, we work on that all-important sweet n’ sour sauce. As this warms and thickens in the pan, we start to salivate as the kitchen fills with the most amazing aromas. Just before we’re ready to serve, we put the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and allow everything just a few more minutes together before we grab a plate and get ready to enjoy a wonderful meal. A scoop of rice topped sweet and sour chicken and extra sauce drizzled over the top is pure perfection. For nights when we can’t go out our favorite restaurant, a meal like this is the next best thing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe is perfect for those nights when you crave the flavors of your favorite takeout without leaving the house. You’ll love how the crispy chicken contrasts with the tangy and sweet sauce, all made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Plus, the option to add a spicy kick makes it customizable to your taste preferences.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large plastic bag
• Shallow dish
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, pounded to even thickness
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ cup corn starch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup crushed pineapple
• 1 chili pepper, seeded and finely diced OR 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro, garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and crushed pineapple in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Combine corn starch and flour in a large plastic bag. Set aside.
3. In a shallow dish, beat eggs with 2 tablespoons water. Dredge chicken breasts in the egg mixture. Transfer to the plastic bag and shake until well coated with flour mixture.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts, 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté chili pepper (or bell pepper, if using) and onion until softened. Pour in soy sauce mixture and stir until just thickened. Add red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to skillet and toss with sauce.
7. Slice into thin strips and serve over top of rice or noodles, spooning extra sauce over top of the chicken.
8. Sprinkle over chopped cilantro for garnish.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Allow the chicken to rest after frying to ensure it stays juicy.
• Adjust the sweetness or sourness of the sauce to your liking by adding more sugar or vinegar.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and flour.
• Try adding different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Approximate nutritional values per serving: Calories: 450; Protein: 35g; Carbohydrates: 50g; Fat: 15g; Fiber: 3g.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, but they may take a bit longer to cook.

How can I make the dish less sweet? Reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey, or add more vinegar for a tangier flavor.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken? While frying gives the chicken a crispy texture, you can bake it for a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making this easy sweet and sour chicken as much as we do! It’s a fantastic way to bring the taste of your favorite takeout into your own home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences or any variations you come up with. We’d love to hear how it turns out!