Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken
Imagine the delightful combination of tender chicken, a vibrant sweet and sour sauce, and the rich flavors of Chinese seasonings all coming together in one dish. This is the joy of Sweet and Sour Chicken, a dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Today, we're going to embark on a culinary journey exploring this beloved staple of Chinese cuisine.
Equipment
- oven
- 1 wok
- 2 bowls
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil plus more as needed
- Sesame seeds for garnish optional
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
For serving
- Steamed white rice
- Cooked broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 °F, then preheat oil in a wok until very hot.
- Prepare cornstarch in a bowl and the lightly beaten eggs in another bowl. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge pieces into cornstarch then dip in the eggs.
- Working in batches, slowly lower chicken into hot oil and fry for 30 seconds on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Add more oil if necessary but allow the added oil to become very hot before frying the next pieces. Remove from hot oil then place onto a large baking pan.
- Mix together sauce ingredients in a bowl, then pour onto fried chicken pieces. Toss and fold to coat thoroughly.
- Place in oven and bake for 1 hour. Turn chicken about every 20 minutes to coat with sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately on a bed of steamed white rice and cooked broccoli on the side.
Video
Notes
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the tangy and sweet sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables. To create the perfect balance, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. The ketchup provides a rich tomato base, while the rice vinegar adds tanginess. The soy sauce brings savory depth, and the pineapple juice and brown sugar contribute a delightful sweetness. The ginger and garlic infuse aromatic flavors that elevate the dish. Adjust the ingredients to achieve your desired level of sweetness and tanginess, creating a sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.