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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cornstarch - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Vegetable oil (for frying) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/2 cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh chicken and colorful vegetables make this dish pop. The sweet and sour sauce is key for that classic flavor. Each element plays a role, so have everything ready to go. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to make! To start, grab a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. Mix them well. Heat the pan over medium heat. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken a bit. Take it off the heat and set it aside. This sauce will bring a sweet and tangy kick to your dish. Next, we need to coat the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Dredge each piece in the dry mix. Then dip the chicken into 2 beaten eggs. Let the excess egg drip off, and return them to the dry mixture for a second coating. This double coating gives the chicken a crunchy texture. Now it’s time to fry! Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil reaches 400°F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. This step ensures your chicken stays crispy and delicious. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 cup of pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. You want the peppers tender but still crisp. The pineapple adds sweetness and bright flavor to the dish. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the sautéed veggies in the pan. Stir gently so the vegetables soak up the sauce. Then add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss everything together carefully. Ensure the chicken is well-coated in the vibrant sauce. This is where the magic happens! Let the mixture cook for an extra 1-2 minutes. This warms everything through and helps the flavors meld. Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. This adds a fresh finish. Serve your crispy sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. Enjoy every delightful bite! To get that perfect crunch, follow these steps: - Use cornstarch in the coating mix. It makes the chicken crispier. - Double-coat the chicken. Dredge it in the dry mix, dip in egg, then return to the dry mix. - Keep the oil hot. Aim for 400°F when frying. This helps lock in the crispiness. - Fry in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady. Want to tweak the sweet and sour sauce? Here’s how: - For a sweeter taste, add more granulated sugar. Start with a tablespoon more. - If you like it tangy, increase the apple cider vinegar by a tablespoon. - For a spicier kick, mix in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. - You can swap ketchup with sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile. Make your meal complete with these ideas: - Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice. This balances the flavors perfectly. - Add a side of stir-fried veggies. Broccoli or snap peas work well. - Top with toasted sesame seeds for crunch and flavor. - Include lime wedges on the side. A squeeze adds freshness to each bite. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp, tofu, or pork. Each option has its own taste and texture. - Shrimp: Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fry until pink and firm. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Press it to remove moisture, then coat and fry. - Pork: Use pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces. Coat and fry just like chicken. These alternatives keep the dish exciting and flavorful. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, focus on plant-based ingredients. Replace chicken with veggies or tofu. - Vegetable Mix: Use a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. They add color and crunch. - Vegan Chicken: Choose a store-bought plant-based chicken. Coat it and fry as you would with chicken. For the sauce, ensure the ingredients are plant-based. Most are naturally vegan, but check for hidden animal products. You can adjust the sauce to be sweeter or tangier. This changes the whole dish’s taste. - For Sweeter Sauce: Add more sugar or pineapple juice. This gives a rich, sweet flavor. - For Tangier Sauce: Increase the apple cider vinegar. This adds a bright, zesty kick. Experiment with these variations to find your favorite flavor. Enjoying different tastes makes cooking fun! To store your crispy sweet and sour chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken from the sauce. This keeps the chicken crispy longer. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, aim to keep that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use an air fryer for crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. You can freeze the chicken for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe bag to hold the chicken. Remove as much air as possible. The chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Keep the sauce separate and heat it on the stove. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free cornstarch and flour. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free too. This will keep the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. If you need a substitute for apple cider vinegar, use rice vinegar or white vinegar. Both options will add a nice tang to the sauce. You can also use lemon juice for a fresh twist. To keep the chicken crispy, ensure it is well-coated in the dry mixture. Fry the chicken in hot oil, around 400°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking. After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps it crispy. This blog explained how to make tasty sweet and sour chicken. We covered key ingredients, including chicken, veggies, and sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for frying and stir-frying. Tips for crispy chicken and storage info were also shared. Remember, you can customize it to suit your taste, whether you want it sweet or tangy. Keep experimenting and enjoy making this dish your own. Now, grab your apron and start cooking!

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Better Than Takeout

Savor the irresistible flavors of Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight! This easy recipe features tender chicken coated in a perfect crispy batter, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple, all drizzled with a homemade sweet and sour sauce. It's a delightful dish that the whole family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to make this delicious meal that’s sure to impress at any dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cornstarch

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil (for frying)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Whisk together until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once thickened slightly, remove from heat and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

    Coat the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it in the dry mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Next, dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then return it to the dry mixture for a second coating. This will ensure a wonderfully crispy texture.

      Fry the Chicken: In a deep skillet or large pot, heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches a hot temperature (400°F), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until each piece is golden brown and crispy. Remove cooked chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

        Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In a separate large pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender yet still maintain their crispness and color.

          Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Stir delicately to ensure the veggies are well-coated in sauce. Add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss everything together gently until the chicken is evenly coated in the vibrant sauce.

            Finish and Serve: Allow to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to warm all the ingredients through while melding the flavors. Remove from heat and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy sweet and sour chicken on a generous bed of fluffy steamed rice. For an eye-catching touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and add a wedge of lime on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every delightful bite!