Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular and delicious dish that features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, along with colorful vegetables and pineapple. Perfect for family dinners, takeout-style nights, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Why This Sweet and Sour Chicken Is the Best
- Tangy and Sweet Sauce: The sauce is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Crispy Chicken: The chicken pieces are fried to a golden brown, giving them a satisfying crunch.
- Colorful Vegetables: The dish includes vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and green onions, adding freshness and color.
- Pineapple Chunks: The addition of pineapple chunks adds a sweet and juicy contrast to the tangy sauce.
- Beautiful Presentation: The dish is garnished with sesame seeds, making it visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a delicious and flavorful dinner option, Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of tangy sauce, crispy chicken, and fresh vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breast: Tender, protein-rich cubes form the base of this flavorful dish.
- Cornstarch and Egg White: Create a light coating for the chicken, ensuring a crisp texture when sautéed.
- Orange Juice, Ketchup, Red Wine Vinegar, and Honey: Combine to create the signature sweet and tangy sauce with layers of citrus and umami flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper and Pineapple Chunks: Add vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a juicy texture to balance the sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: Provide aromatic depth and a slight kick of warmth.
- Green Onions: Add freshness and a mild onion flavor to finish the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables.
- Fry Evenly: Ensure the chicken is fried evenly to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Coat Generously: Coat the chicken generously with the sweet and sour sauce to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Top the dish with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas for extra nutrition.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Fresh Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Tangy, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Just imagine the crispy bite of golden chicken, the sweet and tangy sauce dancing on your taste buds—it’s a culinary delight that will have you savoring every bite.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Shredded Chicken Tacos
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Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
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Chinese Lemon Chicken
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large egg white
- Salt
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon + 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil or light olive oil divided
- 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 medium red bell pepper cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 green onions ends trimmed, chopped into 1-inch pieces, divided
- 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 cloves
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg white and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss to coat it evenly. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, ketchup, red wine vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes, until golden brown on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Stir in about 3/4 of the green onions, along with the ginger and garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 30-60 seconds. Add the chicken and pineapple, tossing to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with the remaining green onions.