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Sweet and Sour Chicken

Nothing quite beats the vibrant flavors of sweet and sour chicken, a dish that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup Water
  • ¼ cup Seasoned rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup Light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced bell peppers and onions for added color and flavor

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the sauce. Season the pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Step 2: Coat the Chicken. For optimum texture, consider lightly coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying. This will produce a crispy outer layer that holds up beautifully against the sauce.
  • Step 3: Cook the Chicken. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to achieve even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
  • Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce. In the same skillet, combine the water, seasoned rice vinegar, light brown sugar, ketchup, and low-sodium soy sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Step 5: Thicken the Sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the sauce while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce. Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken to the skillet. If you’re adding sliced bell peppers and onions, toss them in now. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  • Step 7: Serve. Your sweet and sour chicken is ready to be served! Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Mixing Bowl

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the chicken. You may need to add a splash of water to revive the sauce if it thickens too much in storage.