Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry

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Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this stir-fry is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  2. Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
  2. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine.
  3. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce and vegetables.
  2. Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
  3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Historical Context:

Sweet and sour flavors are a hallmark of Chinese cuisine, with roots tracing back to traditional Cantonese dishes. While the dish has been adapted to suit Western palates, its balance of tangy and sweet notes remains true to its origins.

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories per serving: 350-400
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 12g

For a lighter version, use chicken breast and reduce the sugar in the sauce.

A vibrant plate of sweet and sour chicken stir-fry with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and pineapple chunks in a tangy sauce, served over steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.