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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

 


Crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—this sweet and sour chicken is a family favorite that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 3 tablespoons ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1½ tablespoons cornstarch

For the Chicken:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 heaping teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ⅔ cup water

  • 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks

For Finishing the Dish:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

  • 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks

Instructions

Make the Sauce:
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.

  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes.

  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1½ tablespoons cold water. Whisk this into the sauce.

  4. Cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Batter & Coat the Chicken:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add water and 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.

  3. Toss chicken chunks in the batter until evenly coated.

Pan-Fry the Chicken:
  1. Line a plate with paper towels.

  2. Heat 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C).

    • Tip: Use a larger skillet for fewer batches or a smaller one with less oil.

  3. Using forks, gently place battered chicken pieces into hot oil, ensuring they don’t stick together.

  4. Fry for 2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.

    • Check doneness by cutting open a piece.

  5. Transfer cooked chicken to the paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
  1. In a clean skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  2. Add bell peppers and onion, stir-frying for 3–4 minutes until tender but crisp.

Finish & Serve:
  1. Reheat the sauce over medium heat.

  2. Combine chicken with vegetables in the skillet. Gradually pour sauce over the mixture and toss to coat. (Optional: Serve the sauce separately for dipping to maintain crispiness.)

  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!


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