Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Dish in Minutes!
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic takeout favorite, but making it at home is easier than you think! This recipe delivers that iconic sweet and sour flavor without the hefty price tag or long wait times. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet satisfying dish!
What You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to adjust ingredient quantities to your liking.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced (optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for beginners.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. This helps the chicken to crisp up beautifully!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder. Make sure there are no lumps!
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the bell peppers and red onion (if using) to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the delicious sauce.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious homemade sweet and sour chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve it differently: This dish is also excellent served with spring rolls or as a filling for tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients? A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar or add a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe is a surefire way to impress your loved ones with minimal effort. Enjoy!
