Sweet and sour chicken
With pineapple chunks
Those ready-made sauces from the grocery store have long been popular because they are so convenient: heat the sauce, add chicken, and dinner is ready.
But while these sauces offer a quick solution, nothing compares to the taste of a freshly cooked meal. Making chicken in Chinese sweet and sour sauce at home is not difficult at all, and you will immediately notice the difference.
Homemade simply tastes fuller and fresher, and you can decide for yourself how sweet or sour you want it to be. It also helps you avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives. So it is about time to make this classic from Chinese cuisine yourself.
The perfect balance of sweet and sour
What makes chicken in Chinese sweet and sour sauce so good is the perfect balance between sweet and sour. The sauce gets its sweetness from pineapple and sugar (or honey), and its bright tang from vinegar. By adding soy sauce and oyster sauce, the dish gains depth and that familiar Asian flavor.
The secret to a good sweet and sour sauce lies in the right proportions and, of course, the freshness of the ingredients. You can easily adjust the sauce to your own taste. Make it a little spicier with a pinch of chili, or give it a fresher note with some extra lime juice.
Crispy coated chicken or tender and juicy
There are different ways to prepare the chicken. One popular option is to cut the chicken into cubes, dredge them in flour, and fry them until crispy. This creates a great contrast with the rich sauce. Prefer a lighter version? Then you can simply cook the chicken in a skillet. Whichever method you choose, the sauce coats the chicken beautifully and gives the dish its irresistible flavor.
Serving options
This delicious chicken in Chinese sweet and sour sauce is best served with steamed white rice so the sauce can really shine. If you prefer a healthier option, choose brown rice. You can also add extra vegetables, such as carrots for extra crunch and color on the plate. A wedge of lime and some prawn crackers finish the dish.
This stir-fry is not only easy to make, it is also a real favorite for many people. In no time you can put a flavorful homemade meal on the table that tastes far better than anything from a jar.
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Sweet and sour chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Sweet and sour chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce. An easy Chinese stir fry you can make at home in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 lime, optional
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or honey
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- White rice
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut 1 lb chicken breast (or chicken thighs) into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and then coat with about 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
- Cut the red and yellow bell peppers into small chunks and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic.
- Heat a wok and cook or fry the chicken pieces in a layer of vegetable oil until crispy on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving a little behind. In the same pan, cook the bell peppers for about 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes more.
- Add the white vinegar along with the ketchup, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well and lower the heat slightly.
- Return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Add the pineapple chunks to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the flavor if needed. Add extra ketchup or sugar if you like. Serve with white rice, a lime wedge, and prawn crackers.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
