Sweet and sour chicken

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Sweet and Sour Chicken – A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about the combination of crispy fried chicken and a tangy, sweet sauce. Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that has won over hearts (and taste buds) for generations, and it’s easy to see why.

With crispy chunks of chicken, fresh pineapple and carrots in the sauce, and a vibrant garnish of green onions, it’s a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

The Secret to Perfect Fried Chicken:

To achieve that perfectly crispy exterior with tender chicken inside, the key is in the batter. This recipe uses a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to give the chicken pieces an extra crispy texture. The batter adheres beautifully to the chicken, creating a golden crust once deep-fried.

The magic really happens when these crispy pieces of chicken are drizzled with the homemade sweet and sour sauce.

The sauce is made with fresh pineapple juice, tangy rice vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar, making it both sweet and tangy in the best way. With a hint of ginger and garlic, this sauce is packed with flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

Ingredients:

• For the Fried Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • Oil for deep frying
• For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For Serving:
  • Steamed white rice
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
   • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Fried Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
   • Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
   • Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   • Place a serving of steamed rice on each plate.
   • Arrange the crispy fried chicken on top of the rice.
   • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve your delicious sweet and sour chicken hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Sweet and sour chicken is best served over a bed of steamed white rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce, creating the perfect base for the crispy chicken. Top with a sprinkling of green onions for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Variations:

Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added crunch and flavor.

Or, if you’re in the mood for something spicier, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Not only is sweet and sour chicken a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also quick and easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving something comforting, this dish is sure to satisfy.

With crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) for frying, so the chicken gets crispy and golden without absorbing too much oil.
• Double coat the chicken for an extra-crispy crunch.
• Don’t skip the green onion garnish—it adds freshness and a touch of color to the dish.

This Sweet and Sour Chicken features crispy fried chicken pieces made from boneless, skinless chicken breasts, served over a bed of steamed rice, and smothered in a tangy, sweet sauce made with pineapple, vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar.

Finished with a garnish of fresh green onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare and sure to satisfy, Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.