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Sweet and Sour Chicken

Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken: Quick and Easy Recipe

This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser combining crispy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a delightful sauce that balances sweetness and tang.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces Main protein providing flavor and texture
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Creates a crispy coating for the chicken
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Used for frying to achieve golden brown chicken
For the Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped Adds sweetness and vibrant color
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped Offers mild bitterness
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Brings sweetness when sautéed
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks Provides juicy bursts of sweetness
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup vinegar, white or apple cider Gives tanginess
  • 1/4 cup ketchup Adds sweetness and smooth texture
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Enhances umami flavor
  • 3/4 cup sugar Melds flavors and balances sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic Provides warmth and complexity
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger Adds zingy freshness
  • salt and pepper Essential for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons water Optional for cornstarch slurry
  • 1 tablespoon additional cornstarch Optional for thickening

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the chopped bell peppers and onion for 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger until sugar dissolves.
  5. Add cooked chicken back to skillet, pour sauce over and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gently mix in pineapple chunks and heat for about 5 minutes.
  7. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the skillet, cooking for an additional minute.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
  9. Serve over jasmine rice or with chow mein noodles, garnishing with green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Store leftovers separately for best texture.

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