Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe ๐๐
Overview:
Indulge in the nostalgia of childhood flavors with this homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, passed down through generations. Marinated to perfection, these tender chicken chunks are coated in a crispy batter and bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Key Information:
- Preparation Time: 24 hours
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 25 hours
- Servings: Adjust according to your preference
Ingredients:
| Chicken Chunks | Batter | Sweet and Sour Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| 5 skinless chicken breasts | 3-5 eggs | 1 cup pineapple chunks |
| 1 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups flour | 1 green pepper | |
| 3/4 – 1 1/4 cups water | 1/2 cup vinegar | |
| 3-4 teaspoons salt | 1/2 cup brown sugar | |
| 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder | 1/2 cup molasses | |
| 2 maraschino cherries | ||
| 1/4 cup water | ||
| 2 tablespoons cornstarch |
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place them in a container, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and infuse into the meat, ensuring maximum deliciousness.
-
-
Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, eggs, salt, and baking powder. Whisk until you achieve a smooth batter consistency. This batter will create the perfect crispy coating for the chicken.
-
Coat the Chicken: Cut the marinated chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
-
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in an electric frying pan or deep fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Carefully add the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, with no pink in the center. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
-
Keep Warm: Place the cooked chicken in a low-heat oven to keep it warm while you prepare the sweet and sour sauce.
-
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses. Add in the pineapple chunks, sliced green pepper, and maraschino cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
-
Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sauce, stirring continuously. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
-
Combine and Serve: Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan. Gently toss until each chicken piece is coated in the sweet and sour goodness.
-
Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the Sweet and Sour Chicken to a serving dish, garnish with additional pineapple chunks and sliced green peppers if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy texture, you can double dip the chicken pieces in the batter before frying.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce according to your taste preferences by tweaking the amount of brown sugar and vinegar.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the battered chicken in the oven instead of frying. Simply preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and flavorful sauce, this homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress your loved ones. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings the taste of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home!
