Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken
A delightful dish featuring crispy chicken pieces in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar Provides tanginess
- 1/4 cup ketchup Contributes flavor
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Adds umami
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Enhances sweetness
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil For flavor
- 2 cloves minced garlic Aromatic element
For the chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt For seasoning
- 1/3 cup cornstarch Coating for crispiness
- 1 large egg Beaten, for coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Coating for crispiness
- 1 tablespoon canola oil For frying
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped For sautéing
- 1 piece red bell pepper, chopped Adds color and flavor
- 1 piece green bell pepper, chopped Adds color and flavor
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped Optional for sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and set it aside.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, then dredge them in cornstarch.
- Dip the coated chicken in the beaten egg, then roll it in flour.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack.
Combining Ingredients
- Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon.
- Sauté the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and optional pineapple for about three minutes until softened.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the sautéed vegetables and add the cornstarch slurry, simmering for around three minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the crispy fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat with sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
For an added twist, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for a few hours before cooking. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve perfect crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat as needed.