Sweet and Sour Chicken – Embark, on a journey into the realm of Asian cuisine with our mouthwatering “Recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken.” This exquisite dish masterfully balances the allure of pineapple with the richness of soy sauce. The recipe, which showcases fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow steps is ideal for those in search of a delicious main course. The harmonious combination of succulent chicken, juicy pineapple and a flavorful sauce will surely captivate your taste buds.
The first time I prepared this Sweet and Sour Chicken dish it was an absolute delight. I can still vividly recall the kitchen being filled with the aroma of garlic and pineapple—a fragrance that hinted at something special. The true joy came when my husband and our little one took their bites—their radiant smiles were absolutely priceless! Even my picky eater child couldn’t resist asking for seconds while my husband—who has always had a fondness for cuisine—compared it to bringing home a piece of our favorite restaurant. It has become an all-time family favorite since.
What makes this Sweet and Sour Chicken truly stands out?
Our Recipe, for Sweet and Sour Chicken stands out with its flavors that will transport you to your Asian eatery while also providing the comforting simplicity of homemade cooking. This healthier alternative to takeout embraces ingredients and low-sodium soy sauce—making it perfect for both health-conscious individuals and culinary enthusiasts who seek exceptional taste sensations. Its versatility is an advantage as it can be enjoyed with either rice or Chinese noodles appealing to a range of tastes. Whether you’re a chef or someone new to cuisine this recipe is bound to please with its impeccable combination of freshness, taste and homemade simplicity.
What You Need To Make This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe?
Pineapple Juice: Our sweet and sour masterpiece owes its magic to the freshness of pineapple juice. Unlike canned alternatives, it brings a sweetness that truly shines. Every time I pour it in it’s like a burst of sunshine adding joy to the dish.
Garlic and Brown Sugar: The aromatic allure harmonizes beautifully with the caramel sweetness of brown sugar. Together they transport me to evenings filled with conversations.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This isn’t just any vinegar; it holds the key to that tangy zing that awakens your taste buds. It strikes a balance between sweetness and depth elevating the dish into a symphony.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Here comes the subtle symphony of notes. Like a whisper of umami it brings everything together without overpowering the dish’s flavors.
Ketchup and Cornstarch: Ketchup adds that tang we all love, while cornstarch works its magic by transforming our sauce into perfection. Watching this delightful trick unfold in your pan is a joy.
Vegetable Oil: Though ordinary good quality oil ensures our chicken pieces are beautifully brown without sticking. It’s, like having a friend in the kitchen who always has your back.
Chicken: Whether you opt for chicken breasts or thighs it serves as the canvas, for our flavors. I always envision it absorbing all the deliciousness while cooking ready to offer us a mouthwatering bite filled with delight.
Onions and Bell Peppers: Their colors and satisfying crunch are not about aesthetics; they bring a refreshing element and a delightful contrast in texture that elevates every single bite.
Crushed Red Pepper: It’s that hint of spiciness that playfully teases your taste buds with each mouthful reminding you that even the simplest dishes can have an element of fun.
Salt: It’s more than a seasoning; it acts as the ingredient that enhances all the other flavors allowing them to truly shine.
Rice or Chinese Noodles: Whether it’s grains of rice or twirly noodles they don’t merely sit on the plate; they eagerly soak up the sauce and become an integral part of the culinary tale making every forkful a complete story brimming with flavor and joy.
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Steps To Make Sweet and Sour Chicken:
Step 1: Let’s begin by making the sauce. In a saucepan combine the pineapple juice, minced garlic, water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup and cornstarch. Allow it to simmer on low heat until it thickens stirring frequently. Once it has thickened, cover the saucepan. Set it aside.
Step 2: To coat the chicken; Place the chicken pieces and cornstarch in a Ziploc bag. Seal the bag. Shake it well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Next heat some vegetable oil in a skillet, over high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet while shaking off any cornstarch. Cook them until they turn brown on all sides and are fully cooked through; this should take 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed during cooking. Once cooked transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 4: In that skillet add a bit of oil and toss in some chopped onions. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes before adding peppers to continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring well.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and return the chicken back into the skillet along with peppers and onions. Cook everything together for a minute.
Step 6: Now comes pouring in our sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Add pineapple chunks along with crushed pepper for some spice if desired; season, with salt well. Gently stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors while heating through.
Step 7: Enjoy this Sweet and Sour Chicken served on a plate of rice or paired with Chinese noodles.
Tip:
For a boost of flavor and tenderness, in the Sweet and Sour Chicken you can enhance its deliciousness by marinating the chicken pieces before cooking. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces then let them soak in a marinade consisting of pineapple juice (from the recipe) a splash of soy sauce and a touch of garlic for 30 minutes. This not only imparts the chicken with sweet and tangy flavors that permeate throughout the dish but also ensures that every bite is succulent, flavorful and effortlessly melts in your mouth. By following this step you’ll take your dish from tasty to truly memorable guaranteeing it to be a crowd-pleaser, at any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely you have the option to replace fresh pineapple with canned ones. Just remember to drain them before incorporating them into your recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick you can increase the amount of crushed pepper or consider adding finely diced hot peppers to the mix of vegetables.
What are some good sides to pair with this dish?
To enhance your dining experience try serving steamed broccoli, a refreshing cucumber salad or delightful spring rolls, alongside this dish. These options will complement the course beautifully by providing added texture and a burst of freshness.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 c fresh pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Sweet and Sour Chicken:
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 c cornstarch
- 2 –3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 1 medium onion large dice
- 1 green bell pepper seeded, large dice
- 1 red bell pepper seeded, large dice
- 1 1/2 c fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 pinches crushed red pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Cooked Rice or Chinese noodles for serving
Instructions
- To create the sauce mix together pineapple juice, minced garlic, water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup and cornstarch in a saucepan. Heat the mixture on low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Set it aside once done.
- Next, cut the chicken into bite pieces. Coat them with cornstarch by placing them in a Ziploc bag and shaking it gently. In a skillet, over medium-high heat add some oil and cook the chicken until it turns brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside.
- Using the skillet add more oil if needed and sauté onions for about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add green and red bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Lower the heat on the skillet. Return the chicken to it. Pour in the sauce along, with pineapple chunks, crushed pepper for some spice (if desired) and salt. Stir everything together gently while heating through.
- Finally, serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over cooked rice or Chinese noodles for a meal.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
