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Sweet and Sour Chicken

This classic dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 frying pan or wok
  • 1 slotted spoon
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 cups oil for frying Approximately.
  • 1 count bell pepper Chopped (red or green).
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks Fresh or canned, drained.
  • ½ count onion Chopped.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mixed with 2 tablespoons water for slurry.

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water while whisking until the batter is smooth.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Dip chicken pieces into the batter and then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a baking sheet.
  • In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the bell pepper and pineapple chunks, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Pour this mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the fried chicken back into the pan and stir to coat with the sauce. Mix the cornstarch slurry and add it to the pan to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
  • Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add ginger to the sauce.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by modifying the amount of sugar based on your preference.
Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.