Learn The Secret To Making Sweet And Sour Chicken At Home – Just Like The Chinese Restaurants!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Chinese restaurant-style sweet and sour chicken with this comprehensive guide. Discover the secrets to creating the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crispy textures.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into chunks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, then coat them in the cornstarch mixture.

2. Fry the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the Vegetables

Add the bell peppers and onion to the saucepan. Cook until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sauce and vegetables. Stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

6. Serve

Serve the sweet and sour chicken immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfection

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the pieces in the cornstarch mixture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will prevent it from getting crispy.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra water. If it’s too thin, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as pineapple, carrots, or snap peas.

Variations

• Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Sesame Sweet and Sour Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished dish.
• Orange Sweet and Sour Chicken: Substitute orange juice for the white vinegar in the sauce.

What You Need to Know

1. Why is my sweet and sour chicken not crispy?
Answer: Make sure to double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture and fry it in hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the chicken from getting crispy.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Answer: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce while stirring. Cook for an additional minute or two until thickened.

3. What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?
Answer: Sweet and sour chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer with dipping sauce.