Get The Secret Recipe: How To Make Sweet And Sour Chicken And Vegetables At Home

Craving a tantalizing dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors? Look no further than the classic sweet and sour chicken and vegetables. This delectable dish is a culinary masterpiece, sure to impress your family and friends. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of this beloved recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
• Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally back into the flour mixture.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large skillet, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the bell peppers, carrots, pineapple, and onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine.
• Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the sweet and sour chicken and vegetables over rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat it in the flour mixture.
• If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar instead.
• Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• You can use any vegetables you like in this recipe. Broccoli, snow peas, and mushrooms are all great options.
• Serve the sweet and sour chicken and vegetables with your favorite dipping sauce. Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce are all great choices.

Variations

• Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace the vinegar in the sauce with honey and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Replace the vinegar in the sauce with teriyaki sauce.
• Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice to the sauce and garnish with orange zest.

Storage

• Store the sweet and sour chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Wrap-Up

Mastering the art of sweet and sour chicken and vegetables is a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more. By following our step-by-step guide, you can create this delectable dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and embark on this culinary adventure today.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
A: You can fry the chicken in a large skillet with a few inches of vegetable oil.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil and it will thicken quickly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with sweet and sour chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, or vegetables are all great side dishes for sweet and sour chicken.