How To Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Drumsticks That Are So Good, They’ll Have Your Guests Asking For Seconds!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of sweet and sour chicken drumsticks, a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly blends the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of chicken. This delectable dish, a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine, is now within your reach with this comprehensive guide. Follow our step-by-step instructions and unlock the secrets of creating this beloved dish right in your kitchen.

Gathering the Culinary Arsenal: Essential Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Preparing the Chicken: Seasoning and Coating

1. Rinse the chicken drumsticks thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken drumsticks in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Frying the Chicken: Achieving Golden Perfection

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully place the coated chicken drumsticks into the hot oil.
3. Fry for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken drumsticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Crafting the Sweet and Sour Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors

1. In a large saucepan, combine the pineapple chunks, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion.
2. Add the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and sesame oil.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Assembling the Masterpiece: Marrying Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the fried chicken drumsticks to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce.
2. Stir gently to combine and allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Seasoning to Taste: Finding the Perfect Balance

1. Taste the sweet and sour sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
2. Add more sugar for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tanginess, or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Presentation: A Feast for the Senses

1. Transfer the sweet and sour chicken drumsticks to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a vibrant touch.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Success: Culinary Insights

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken drumsticks in the seasoned flour mixture.
• If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can shallow fry the chicken drumsticks in a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil.
• To save time, you can use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh.
• If you like a spicier sauce, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
• Serve the sweet and sour chicken drumsticks with a side of steamed vegetables for a healthier option.

In a nutshell: A Culinary Triumph

With a touch of patience and a dash of culinary passion, you have mastered the art of sweet and sour chicken drumsticks. This delectable dish, a testament to your culinary prowess, will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken drumsticks?
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for chicken drumsticks. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What side dishes pair well with sweet and sour chicken drumsticks?
A: Steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans are all excellent accompaniments to sweet and sour chicken drumsticks.

Q: How can I make the sweet and sour sauce spicier?
A: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sweet and sour sauce to increase the heat level.