Hunan Style Sweet and Sour Chicken
Discover the delightful flavors of this Hunan-style Sweet and Sour Chicken, a dish that combines the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. A crispy chicken exterior, juicy bell peppers, and fresh pineapple chunks coated in a luscious sweet and sour sauce create an unforgettable experience for your tastebuds. This recipe is ideal for a satisfying dinner or weekend lunch. Serve it alongside Hakka Noodles with Egg for a complete and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless) | 2 pieces |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Sesame Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| Corn flour | 4 teaspoons |
| Water | 4 teaspoons |
| Pineapple (fresh or canned, chunks) | 3/4 cup |
| Pineapple juice | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | As needed |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 3 tablespoons |
| Vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken stock | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon (for garnish) |
| Iceberg lettuce leaves | 2 (for garnish) |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- 2 servings
Cuisine:
- Hunan
Course:
- Dinner
Diet:
- High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or sesame oil) in a non-stick wok over medium heat. The oil should shimmer, ready to crisp the chicken pieces. -
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the wok and sauté until it turns a light golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. -
Sauté the Bell Peppers:
In the same wok, add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp, which adds a vibrant color and crunch to the dish. -
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
Add the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and chicken stock to the wok. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. The sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar will start to blend with the tartness of the vinegar, creating the perfect base for the sauce. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix 4 teaspoons of corn flour with 4 teaspoons of water until it forms a smooth, lump-free paste. Slowly add this paste to the boiling sauce, stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken to a glossy consistency. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken pieces to the wok. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it cook for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender. -
Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and line a serving plate or tray with fresh iceberg lettuce leaves. Place the sweet and sour chicken over the lettuce for an extra crunch and presentation. Garnish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a touch of texture and flavor. -
Enjoy!
Serve your Hunan-style Sweet and Sour Chicken with Hakka Noodles with Egg for a delicious, complete meal that is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors that will make this dish a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Tips for the Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken:
- Corn Flour Paste: Make sure the corn flour paste is smooth before adding it to the sauce to avoid any lumps. Stir constantly as it thickens.
- Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like onions or carrots for more texture and flavor.
- Chicken Options: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more juicy and tender option.
This Hunan-style Sweet and Sour Chicken brings the vibrant and bold flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your dinner table. It’s an easy yet satisfying dish that will please any crowd!
