Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines the right balance of flavors to create an irresistible meal. The tangy sweetness of the sauce, paired with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, makes this dish a popular favorite in Chinese cuisine and a staple in many households around the world. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or looking for something healthy and low-calorie, this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is the perfect choice.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple, easy-to-follow recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken, offer tips on how to make it healthier, and show you variations of this dish, including Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple, Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry, and more!
What is Sweet and Sour Chicken?
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a savory dish made by stir-frying pieces of chicken in a tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. The sauce is typically made thicker by adding cornstarch, and the dish is usually served with a side of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and sometimes pineapple.
This dish is famous for its balance of sweet and sour flavors, where the sugar adds sweetness while the vinegar adds tang, creating a perfect harmony of taste.
Chicken Sweet And Sour Easy Recipe
Making Sweet and Sour Chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. If you are looking for an easy, quick meal, this dish is perfect for weeknights. Here’s a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and preparation:
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook them in the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Then, add the ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Slowly add this mixture to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Pineapple and Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the pineapple chunks (if using) and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Healthy Sweet N Sour Chicken
While Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious dish, traditional recipes can sometimes be high in sugar and oil. If you’re looking for a healthier version, there are a few modifications you can make without sacrificing flavor.
Healthier Sweet and Sour Chicken Tips:
- Use Lean Chicken: Instead of using chicken thighs, opt for chicken breast, which is leaner and lower in calories. It will still remain tender and flavorful when cooked properly.
- Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce by half and still maintain the right balance of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia to cut back on refined sugar.
- Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables to the dish to boost its nutritional value. Consider adding carrots, broccoli, or snow peas to the stir-fry.
- Choose a Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This will reduce the overall sodium content of the dish and make it more heart-healthy.
- Bake the Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, you can bake it in the oven to reduce the amount of oil used, making it a lower-fat option.
By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a Low Calorie Sweet and Sour Chicken that’s healthier but still delicious.
Sweet And Sour Chicken Stir Fry Recipes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry is another fantastic variation of this classic dish. The key to a successful stir fry is quick cooking at high heat to preserve the vegetables’ crunch and the chicken’s tenderness. This recipe is perfect for those who love the stir fry technique and want to add a bit of flair to their Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any oil of choice)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup baby corn, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for some heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the red onion, carrots, snap peas, and baby corn. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the added crunch and flavor from the stir-fry method.
Simple Sweet and Sour Chicken
If you are looking for a super simple recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken, this one is for you! It’s a great option for anyone who wants a straightforward and delicious dish without too much fuss.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: In a pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the pineapple chunks, vinegar, ketchup, honey, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and stir well.
- Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, you can mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Serve over rice or your favorite grain.
Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice
If you are looking to make Sweet and Sour Chicken a complete meal, pairing it with rice is a great idea. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite extra satisfying.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Rice:
- Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed white or brown rice for a simple yet fulfilling meal. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for added fragrance and flavor.
- To make the dish extra flavorful, you can mix the rice with some of the sauce before serving. The combination of the sweet and sour flavors with the soft rice will make for a delightful dish.
Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe Chinese
This recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese takeout favorite. It’s an easy recipe to make at home, and it doesn’t require any special ingredients that you can’t find in your local grocery store. By following this recipe, you’ll recreate the Chinese restaurant-style Sweet and Sour Chicken right in your own kitchen.
Conclusion:
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a fantastic dish that’s loved for its sweet and tangy flavor, satisfying texture, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe, a healthy variation, or a traditional Chinese-style dish, this recipe can be tailored to suit your needs. Try it with or without pineapple, add extra veggies, or serve it over rice for a complete meal. No matter how you enjoy it, Sweet and Sour Chicken is sure to become a household favorite!
