Sweet and Sour Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious dish that brings together the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a favorite for family dinners and gatherings because it’s both tasty and easy to prepare. This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be served with rice, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:

• 500 g chicken breast, skin removed and cut into 2.5-centimetre chunks
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup cornflour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Spring onion, chopped, for serving
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 165C (329F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, orange juice, tomato paste, soy sauce, and garlic to make the sweet and sour sauce.
3. In another bowl, season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper, then toss them with cornflour.
4. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs and add them to the hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Place the cooked chicken on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Then, transfer it to an oiled casserole or baking dish.
6. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and place it in the oven. Cook until the sauce has thickened, approximately 45 minutes. Turn the chicken regularly to ensure it is evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately with chopped spring onion and rice.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is best served hot, right out of the oven. You can garnish it with chopped spring onion for a fresh taste. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also add some vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli on the side for extra color and nutrition.

How to Store Sweet and Sour Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Make sure to cut the chicken breast into even chunks for uniform cooking.
• Don’t rush the frying step. Let the chicken get nice and golden for the best texture.
• If you like it spicier, add some chili flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference.

Variation

For a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and pineapple to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet and sour sauce and chicken in advance. Just combine and heat when ready to serve.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Sweet and Sour Chicken?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

Can I use store-bought sweet and sour sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought sauce if you are short on time. Just serve it the same way as the homemade sauce for convenience.