To make Sweet & Sour Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by combining the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring they are well covered.
2: Frying the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, typically around 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3: Sauteing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté them over medium heat until they become tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
4: Preparing the Sweet & Sour Sauce:
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
5: Combining the Ingredients
Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the pineapple chunks and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the ingredients. Stir everything together gently to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
6: Simmering and Thickening the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7: Serving the Sweet & Sour Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Sweet & Sour Chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
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