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Homemade Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe photo

Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful balance of crispy chicken in a vibrant sauce that everyone will love!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 8-10 ounces pineapple chunks in juice (reserve the juice)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2-3 pinches cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons high heat cooking oil divided (grapeseed or peanut oil works well)

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon sliced green scallions (optional)

Instructions

Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg white, cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the chicken chunks and toss until well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, grated ginger, white vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a harmonious sweet and sour sauce.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of your chosen high-heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Toss in the red and yellow bell peppers and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened, transfer the Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green scallions, if desired, and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Wok or large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Serving Platter

Notes

  • Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it helps develop flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this can lead to steaming instead of browning.
  • Be careful not to overcook the bell peppers; they should be tender but still crisp.