Sweet and Sour Chicken
A vibrant, flavorful dish where crispy chicken pieces are enveloped in a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze. Simple ingredients come together swiftly for a restaurant-caliber meal at home, ideal for both main and side dish presentations.
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Servings: 2
Ingredients
- ½ cup pineapple diced
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or neutral oil
- ½ onion sliced
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs or breast cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- ¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 green onion finely chopped, for garnish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 medium red bell pepper or yellow/green/orange, diced
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup white vinegar rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar or white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, cold water, and starch to form the sweet and sour sauce. Set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Pan-fry the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until golden and crisp, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, increase to medium-high heat if needed.
- Once fried, transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Retain 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the used oil in the pan and discard the remainder.
- Over medium heat, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and pineapple briefly for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, simmering for 30 to 60 seconds until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat well with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Air Fryer Instructions
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the starch-coated chicken in a single layer, ensuring spacing between pieces. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes until the exterior is golden and crisp. Cooking time may vary by appliance.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the starch-coated chicken in a single layer, ensuring spacing between pieces. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes until the exterior is golden and crisp. Cooking time may vary by appliance.