Sweet-Sour Chicken Dippers
Meet the Cook: Since you can chop up all the ingredients the night before, this can be ready in about 30 minutes. So it's a great after-work dinner. You can also serve it as a snack or an appetizer...similar to chicken nuggets. I've even substituted quail for the chicken, and it was delicious. Next, I may try it with pork! -Kari Caven, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Meet the Cook: Since you can chop up all the ingredients the night before, this can be ready in about 30 minutes. So it's a great after-work dinner. You can also serve it as a snack or an appetizer...similar to chicken nuggets. I've even substituted quail for the chicken, and it was delicious. Next, I may try it with pork! -Kari Caven, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- oil for deep-fat frying
- batter:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple
- 1-1/3 cups cold water
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
- Carbohydrate 46.710546094325 g
- Cholesterol 245.65833333002 mg
- Fat 92.9117752082735 g
- Fiber 2.60498128272108 g
- Protein 7.41124833796476 g
- Saturated Fat 58.6127609163162 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen appetizers. (336g)
- Sodium 1682.16200042969 mg
- Sugar 44.1055648116039 g
- Trans Fat 6.63586325021374 g
- Calories 1039 calories
Step-by-step
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice.
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, tomatoes, vinegar, onion, green pepper, soy sauce, ginger and pineapple. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cornstarch and the reserved pineapple juice until smooth; add to tomato mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from the heat; set aside.
- For the batter, in a small bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and water until smooth.
- In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Dip chicken pieces in batter; drop into oil and fry about 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and juices run clear.
- Serve immediately with sweet-sour sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Dippers: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending laundry pile, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that won't leave me feeling exhausted before I even sit down to eat. This sweet and sour chicken dipper recipe is a perfect example of a meal that checks all those boxes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and speed. You can prep all the ingredients the night before, significantly reducing the cooking time. This means that on a busy weeknight, a delicious, restaurant-quality meal is ready in a mere 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but honestly, these dippers are so good, they're just as suitable for a casual get-together or even a fun family movie night. My kids adore them, and I have to admit, I do too! The crispy, succulent chicken coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce is simply irresistible.
I’ve experimented with this recipe a few times, and the results have always been fantastic. I once used quail instead of chicken, and it was surprisingly delicious – a lighter, more delicate take on the classic dish. Next on my list is to try it with pork, I suspect it would be equally tasty, adding a different depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
But let’s get back to the recipe itself. The sweet and sour sauce is a symphony of flavors. The balance between sweet and tart, combined with the subtle hint of ginger, is truly magical. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's a delightful textural contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
I often serve these chicken dippers with a side of steamed rice or some fresh vegetables for a more balanced meal. But honestly, sometimes, the chicken dippers alone are enough to satisfy my hunger. It's such a delightful, satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
I encourage you to try this recipe. I’m confident it will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without sacrificing your precious time. And remember, the prep work can be done ahead of time, making it even more convenient. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Chop all the ingredients the night before to save time on busy weeknights.
- Protein swaps: Experiment with different proteins like quail or pork.
- Side dishes: Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Make it healthier: Bake the chicken dippers instead of frying them for a healthier option.
This sweet and sour chicken dipper recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a recipe that celebrates the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!
