Sweet and Sour Chicken Tenders

These sweet and sour chicken tenders are incredibly crispy, tangy, and addictive. Made with tender chicken strips coated in a crunchy batter and smothered in a homemade sweet and sour sauce, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course. It's easy to make and will surely become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the cold water to the flour mixture and whisk until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Dip each chicken tender into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it in the hot oil.
5. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. In a separate saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until well blended.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Add the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion to the sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Add the fried chicken tenders to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
10. Serve the sweet and sour chicken tenders hot, garnished with green onions if desired.

Interesting Facts