Indian Sweet And Sour Chicken
A vibrant Indian-inspired sweet and sour chicken dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a tangy vinegar sauce with aromatic spices, perfect for flavorful dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chicken (breast, legs, thighs or combination) ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped ginger ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat the chicken pieces with flour.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet drippings, then add minced garlic and sliced onions.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the onions are golden.
- Stir in sugar, paprika, turmeric, ground coriander, black pepper, ground cardamom, and red pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in red wine vinegar and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Cover and reduce heat to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Sprinkle with seeds (if using).
- Serve hot over rice with plain yogurt on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crisper texture, ensure the chicken is coated evenly with flour before frying. You can substitute the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar if preferred. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, and consider adding fresh bell peppers for extra flavor and color. This recipe can also pair well with other Indian recipes for a diverse meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice, which complements the sweet and sour flavors perfectly. A side of plain yogurt can help balance the spiciness of the dish. Consider pairing this with naan or roti for a complete meal. It also makes a great filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat to retain moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help maintain the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 3276 calories, with 10g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 344g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as boneless pieces will cook faster. Ensure to monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
What type of rice is best to serve with this dish?
Basmati rice is highly recommended due to its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, which pairs beautifully with the Indian Sweet And Sour Chicken. You can also try serving it with coconut rice for a unique twist.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness level can be adjusted based on your preference. The red pepper adds heat, but you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely for a milder version. The sweetness from the sugar helps balance any spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).