Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions. With its crispy chicken coated in a homemade sweet and tangy sauce, this recipe stands out for its vibrant flavor and ease of preparation. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Homemade Sauce: Enjoy the rich flavor of a sweet and sour sauce made from scratch using common pantry ingredients.
• Crispy Texture: The chicken is coated in a light batter that becomes wonderfully crispy when fried.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the vegetables or serve it with your choice of rice, making it adaptable to your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, this dish brings everyone together at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Shallow bowls (for coating)
• Large frying pan/skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large frying pan: Ideal for frying the chicken quickly and evenly, ensuring that it gets crispy without being greasy.
• Shallow bowls: Perfect for coating the chicken efficiently; they allow for easy dredging without mess.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware, keeping everything safe while you cook.

Ingredients

This is my homemade crispy sweet and sour chicken recipe with a sweet and tangy sauce made from scratch using store cupboard ingredients! Ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients:
– 5 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
– 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
– 90 g (3/4 cup) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ tsp pepper
– ½ tsp garlic salt
– 2 tsp paprika
– 3 skinless chicken breast fillets, chopped into bite-size chunks
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped into large chunks
– 1 red pepper, chopped into 1 inch pieces
– 1 green pepper, chopped into 1 inch pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped/crushed
– 1 tsp minced ginger
– 150 ml (2/3 cup) tomato ketchup
– 2 tbsp malt vinegar
– 6 tbsp dark brown muscovado sugar
– 475 g (17 oz) canned pineapple chunks in juice
– Egg fried rice or boiled rice (to serve)
– 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan until very hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the oil is heating:
1. Place the egg in one shallow bowl.
2. Place cornflour in another shallow bowl.
3. In a third shallow bowl, mix together plain flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and paprika.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge the chicken pieces:
1. Coat each piece in cornflour.
2. Dip them in the beaten egg to ensure they are fully covered.
3. Finally, dredge them in the seasoned flour until well coated.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Add the coated chicken to the hot wok:
1. Cook on high heat for about 6–7 minutes.
2. Turn two or three times during cooking until golden brown.
3. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Once browned, check that the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

While cooking the chicken:
1. In another large frying pan/skillet, heat more vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and peppers; stir-fry for about 3 minutes until onions turn translucent.

Step 7: Add Aromatics

Add garlic and ginger to the skillet:
1. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 8: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Stir in:
1. Tomato ketchup,
2. Malt vinegar,
3. Dark brown muscovado sugar,
4. Canned pineapple with juice.

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 9: Toss Chicken with Sauce

Carefully add crispy chicken back into the skillet with sauce:
Gently toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your sweet and sour chicken over egg fried rice or boiled rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for garnish.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe!

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Serving sweet and sour chicken can elevate your meal and impress your guests. This dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors.

With Rice

• Egg Fried Rice: The fluffy texture of egg fried rice complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Boiled Rice: A simple side that absorbs the tangy sauce, making each bite satisfying.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli: This adds a healthy crunch and balances the sweetness of the dish.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their natural bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet and sour flavors.

As Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with sweet and sour chicken for a light option.
• Tortilla Wraps: For a heartier meal, wrap the chicken in tortillas with some crunchy vegetables.

How to Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Perfecting your sweet and sour chicken involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking methods. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures that the chicken remains crispy while developing a rich flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. This prevents steaming and keeps it crispy.
• Let Sauce Thicken: Allowing the sauce to bubble will enhance its flavor profile, creating a perfect coating for the chicken.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and ginger can significantly boost the overall taste of your dish.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust sugar or vinegar as needed to suit your taste preference; this will ensure a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Complementing your sweet and sour chicken with delicious side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that is easy to make. Stir-fry leftover rice with vegetables for extra flavor.
2. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant jasmine rice pairs well, absorbing sauce beautifully.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables add a delightful crunch to your meal.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, herbs, and a light dressing provides a cool contrast.
5. Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad with sesame dressing adds another layer of flavor complexity.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the dish nicely while adding warmth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet and sour chicken can be a breeze, but avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish shines.

• Not heating the oil enough: If the oil isn’t hot, the chicken won’t get crispy. Make sure to heat the oil until it’s very hot before frying.
• Skipping the coating process: The coating is key for that crispy texture. Don’t skip dredging the chicken in cornflour, egg, and seasoned flour.
• Overcooking or undercooking the chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check if necessary.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: A runny sauce can ruin your dish. Allow it to simmer until it thickens slightly before adding the chicken.
• Neglecting to taste as you go: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust sweetness or tanginess according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot all the way through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to make crispy sweet and sour chicken?

The key is in properly coating the chicken with cornflour, egg, and seasoned flour. Ensure your oil is hot enough for frying.

Can I use other meats in this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or beef as alternatives to chicken.

How long does it take to make this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe?

This dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes from start to finish!

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

Egg fried rice or boiled rice pairs perfectly with sweet and sour chicken, enhancing its flavors.

How do I customize my sweet and sour sauce?

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or add extra vinegar for more tanginess!

Final Thoughts

This homemade crispy sweet and sour chicken recipe is not only quick but also packed with delightful flavors. With its balance of sweetness and tanginess, it’s perfect for any dinner table. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sauce ingredients to suit your taste!