Learn how to make a mouthwatering Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken with this easy recipe. Crispy chicken bites are tossed in a tangy and sweet sauce, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors. This recipe ensures the chicken stays tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Serve this homemade takeout-style dish with steamed rice and enjoy an authentic Chinese culinary experience at home.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Cook until they are slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and sauté for another minute.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir well until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sweet and sour sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Interesting Facts
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that originated in the Guangdong province.
In Chinese cuisine, the sweet and sour sauce is known as 'tangcu' and has a balanced combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
The use of cornstarch in this recipe helps create a crispy coating on the chicken.
Adding pineapple chunks to the dish gives a refreshing and tangy twist to the flavor profile of the sweet and sour sauce.