Sweet Sour Chicken

If you’re craving a delightful mix of savory and tangy flavors, this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is for you! Unlike traditional recipes that rely on deep frying, this version uses a special marinade to create a light and smooth coating on the chicken. This method not only enhances the texture but also makes the dish a healthier alternative. You’ll love the balance of sweetness and sourness, perfectly complemented by the vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this Sweet and Sour Chicken! It’s a lighter take on a classic favorite, with no heavy batter or deep frying involved. The egg white and cornstarch marinade keeps the chicken succulent and tender, while the sauce provides just the right amount of zing. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit your taste.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large frying pan or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 pound of boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon table salt)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 (10 ounce) can pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
• 1/4 cup juice from the canned pineapple
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon table salt)
• 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cooking oil
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Coat chicken with egg white, salt, and cornstarch:

   In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg white, salt, and cornstarch. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Make sweet sour sauce:

   Whisk together the pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, salt, and brown sugar.

3. Stir-fry chicken:

   Heat a large frying pan or wok over high heat until a bead of water instantly sizzles and evaporates. Pour in 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat. It’s important that the pan is very hot.

   Add the chicken and spread it out in one layer. Let the chicken fry, untouched for 1 minute, until the bottoms are browned. Flip and fry the other side for 1 minute. The chicken should still be pinkish in the middle. Dish out the chicken onto a clean plate, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible.

4. Stir fry bell pepper and ginger:

   Turn the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of cooking oil. Let the oil heat up and then add the bell pepper chunks and ginger. Fry for 1 minute.

5. Add pineapple, sweet sour sauce, let simmer, add chicken:

   Add the pineapple chunks and the sweet and sour sauce. Turn the heat to high and when the sauce is simmering, add the chicken pieces back in.

   Let simmer for 1–2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Timing depends on how thick you’ve cut your chicken. The best way to tell if the chicken is done is to take a piece out and cut into it. If it’s pink, add another minute to the cooking.

   Taste the sauce and add more brown sugar if you’d like.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your pan is hot enough to sear the chicken quickly. This prevents the chicken from sticking and maintains its tenderness.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and a perfect sear.

Additional Tips or Variations

You can add more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Try using different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a twist on the classic.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 300, Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Fat: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Cook just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken? It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and tasting this Sweet and Sour Chicken as much as we do! It’s a delightful dish that brings a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors to your table. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!