Make The Most Amazing Sweet And Sour Chicken – No Cornstarch Required!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of sweet and sour chicken but want to avoid cornstarch? Fear not, as this comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets of preparing this delectable dish sans cornstarch. With a few simple substitutions and clever techniques, you can enjoy the same irresistible taste without compromising your dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken Without Cornstarch

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped celery

Step-by-Step Instructions

#1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

#2. Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

#3. Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

#4. Sauté the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

#5. Add the Vegetables

Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, pineapple, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

#6. Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

#7. Serve

Serve the sweet and sour chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions.

Tips for Success

• Use arrowroot powder as a cornstarch substitute: Arrowroot powder is a natural thickener that can be used in place of cornstarch. It has a neutral flavor and will not alter the taste of the dish.
• Cook over medium-high heat: This will help the sauce to thicken quickly without burning.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: They should retain their crispness to provide a nice contrast to the tender chicken.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey in the sauce.
• Serve immediately: Sweet and sour chicken is best enjoyed fresh.

Variations

• Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken: Use more pineapple chunks in the sauce for a tropical twist.
• Vegetable Sweet and Sour Chicken: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn.

How to Store Sweet and Sour Chicken Without Cornstarch

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the sweet and sour chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Sweet and Sour Chicken Without Cornstarch

• Microwave: Reheat small portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat the sweet and sour chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the knowledge and techniques to create mouthwatering sweet and sour chicken without cornstarch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, this recipe will empower you to enjoy this classic dish in a healthier and equally delectable way.

FAQ

1. Can I use another type of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for rice vinegar.

2. What can I use if I don’t have arrowroot powder?

You can use tapioca starch or potato starch as a substitute for arrowroot powder.

3. Can I make the sweet and sour chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet and sour chicken up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.