How To Make Restaurant-style Sweet And Sour Chicken In Just 10 Minutes!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of sweet and sour chicken without the hefty price tag? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the secrets to creating your own delectable sweet and sour chicken at home. With step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you’ll master this beloved dish in no time.

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the pineapple chunks and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Combine the Ingredients

Add the fried chicken back to the skillet along with the sweet and sour sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sweet and sour chicken to a serving dish and serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with additional pineapple chunks or green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Adjust the heat level of the sweet and sour sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• To make the dish vegetarian, substitute tofu for the chicken.
• Serve the sweet and sour chicken with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, egg noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

The Bottom Line: Elevate Your Culinary Skills

With these detailed instructions and expert tips, you’re now equipped to create your own tantalizing sweet and sour chicken at home. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish that will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and frying.

Q: How long can I store the sweet and sour chicken?
A: Store the sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.