Asian-inspired Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
If you're a fan of Chinese take-out, you'll love this homemade version of sweet and sour chicken. With its combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables, it's a dish that's sure to please the whole family. Plus, by making it at home, you can control the ingredients and make it as healthy (or indulgent) as you like.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, cut into chunks
- Pineapple chunks (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup water
Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Next, prepare the chicken. Place the cornstarch and beaten eggs in separate shallow bowls. Dip the chicken pieces first in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then in the beaten eggs. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches and fry until crisp and golden brown. Remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In a separate large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion, and cook until they start to soften. If using pineapple, add it at this point as well. Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, pour in the prepared sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the fried chicken to the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the sauce. Cook for another minute or so, until the chicken is heated through and everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice.
This Asian-inspired sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. With its bold flavors and colorful presentation, it's a recipe that's sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!