With the lean yet tender meat of boneless chicken breasts to serve as the template for this beloved take on a Chinese classic, sweet and sour chicken is a recipe you serve to even the pickiest eaters—from children to dieting friends, this dish is bound to satisfy and impress at the same time. The succulent and sweet pineapple chunks serve as a delicious contrast to the sour pucker of white vinegar, which is mellowed into a gentle, pleasing mouthful fit for any table thanks to the generous addition of white sugar. The bell pepper serves to add some nutrition and crunch, and with a sauce this good, you’ll find yourself dipping into your rice bowl for seconds and thirds to go with this excellent viand fit for a feast day. Turn your usual mealtimes into an exotic trip to the Orient with this marriage of contrasts!
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 3/4 cups water divided
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 drops orange food color
- 8 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
- 2 green bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and orange food coloring. Heat to boiling. Turn off heat. Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water; slowly stir into saucepan. Continue stirring until mixture thickens.
- Combine flour, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg. Add 1 1/2 cups water gradually to make a thick batter. Stir to blend thoroughly. Add chicken pieces, and stir until chicken is well coated.
- Heat oil in skillet or wok to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry chicken pieces in hot oil 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove chicken, and drain on paper towels.
- When ready to serve, layer green peppers, pineapple chunks, and cooked chicken pieces on a platter. Pour hot sweet and sour sauce over top.
- Recipe Source here
