16 Mar 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 cup white rice
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp black pepper
2.67 tbsp water
1 egg white
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup green pepper
1/2 cup red pepper
1 onion
1 cup pineapple
3/4 cup pineapple juice
4 tbsp brown sugar
4.50 tbsp vinegar
6 tbsp chicken soup
Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant bell peppers, juicy pineapple, and a savory sauce, creating a delightful meal that the whole family will love.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the water and egg white until frothy.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- Dip the coated chicken pieces in the egg white mixture.
3. Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Prepare Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary.
- Add the chopped green and red peppers, and onion.
- Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Prepare Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and chicken soup until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple.
- Let it cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and vegetables.
- Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. Serve:
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken over the cooked white rice.
- Enjoy your meal!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh pineapples instead of canned ones for a more natural and robust flavor.
- Cut the vegetables and chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- You can adjust the sweetness by decreasing or increasing the amount of brown sugar according to your preference.
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken with steaming white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
This sweet and sour chicken recipe is an easy-to-follow dish that delivers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this tasty classic is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!