Sweet and Sour Chicken I
Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken I Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken I Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks drained (juice reserved)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 3/4 cups water divided
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 drops orange food color
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut int
- 2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
- 2 green bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
- Carbohydrate 63.5348860848487 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 75.8866233002925 g
- Fiber 2.25455479083648 g
- Protein 6.5026318375665 g
- Saturated Fat 5.65513654617547 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (295g)
- Sodium 805.419927646288 mg
- Sugar 61.2803312940123 g
- Trans Fat 1.12961713382524 g
- Calories 957 calories
Step-by-step
- In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and orange food coloring. Heat to boiling. Turn off heat.
- Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water; slowly stir into saucepan. Continue stirring until mixture thickens.
- Combine flour, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg. Add 1 1/2 cups water gradually to make a thick batter. Stir to blend thoroughly. Add chicken pieces, and stir until chicken is well coated.
- Heat oil in skillet or wok to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry chicken pieces in hot oil 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove chicken, and drain on paper towels.
- When ready to serve, layer green peppers, pineapple chunks, and cooked chicken pieces on a platter. Pour hot sweet and sour sauce over top.
Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious enough to satisfy my family's cravings after a long day. That's where this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe shines. It's a classic for a reason – the tangy sauce, the tender chicken, and the vibrant colors make it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Forget takeout; this recipe is my go-to for a satisfying and stress-free weeknight meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the cooking process is straightforward, even for a novice cook. I often prep the chicken batter and the sauce components ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until I'm ready to cook. This allows me to throw dinner together in a flash on those hectic evenings when even a few minutes saved feel like a victory. My kids love helping with the simple steps, too, which makes it a fun family activity – and who doesn't love extra hands in the kitchen?
This sweet and sour chicken isn't just a weeknight lifesaver; it's also incredibly versatile. I've experimented with different vegetable combinations, adding broccoli, carrots, or even snow peas to the mix for a nutritional boost. Sometimes, I'll serve it over rice for a heartier meal, while other times, I'll simply enjoy it as is. The sweet and sour sauce is so flavorful that it stands on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other sides. And let's be honest, the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day – perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner!
Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, this recipe holds sentimental value. It's a dish I learned to make from my grandmother, a woman who always emphasized the importance of home-cooked meals and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Every time I prepare it, I'm reminded of her warmth, her culinary wisdom, and the simple pleasure of bringing people together around a table filled with good food. This recipe isn't just about the sweet and sour chicken itself; it's about creating memories, fostering connection, and appreciating the everyday magic of family meals.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; work in batches to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter sauce, while others like a more pronounced tang.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables to add variety and nutrition to the dish.
- If you're short on time, use pre-cut vegetables to save on prep time.
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, a little bit of love, and a whole lot of deliciousness. It's a recipe that keeps on giving, both in terms of flavor and cherished moments shared around the dinner table.
