Sweet And Sour Chicken(China)
Sweet and tangy Chinese-style chicken featuring crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and vegetables, perfect for a quick family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. chicken thighs ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 large green bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 4 cups vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canned, drained pineapple chunks ⓘ
Instructions
- Bone the chicken thighs and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix the egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon each of sugar and salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the chicken and mix well. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil and peanut oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge the marinated chicken in 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and fry until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, sauté chopped garlic and sliced green bell peppers until tender.
- Add chicken stock, vinegar, rice wine, water, and sugar to the pan. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pineapple chunks and cooked chicken.
- Simmer for a few minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, try using a mix of cornstarch and flour for dredging the chicken. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces. Substitute the bell peppers with any colorful veggies like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the sauce. This dish complements well with fried rice or Chinese coleslaw (Very Good!).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Chicken over steamed rice or alongside noodles for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with stir-fried vegetables or a light salad. For a complete feast, consider serving it with Grilled Ham And Chicken Slices or a refreshing Chinese coleslaw (Very Good!). Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken(China) contains roughly 1567 calories, with 20g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful to not overcook it, as breast meat tends to dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it remains juicy.
What if I don't have rice wine?
If rice wine isn't available, you can substitute it with dry sherry or even white wine. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use additional chicken stock with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance. Store them in the fridge and combine just before serving. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavors.
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).