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Kid-Friendly Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken perfectly combines crispy chicken, bell peppers, pineapple and onion. It's crispy, saucey and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Be sure to include some rice too!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Others

Ingredients

Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • vegetable oil for frying
Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 tablespoon oil canola oil or similar
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh, or canned/frozen
Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon garlic minced, or garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium recommended
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • sesame seeds optional garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour and salt. Add the egg, 1 tablespoon oil and water, whisking until smooth. (The consistency should be thick like pancake batter.)
  2. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the batter and coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature or up to one hour in the fridge (see note).
  3. Add one inch of oil to a medium saucepan or deep fryer and heat to 350˚F. Set aside a wire rack and slotted spoon or mesh strainer.
  4. Add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove to the rack with a slotted spoon and repeat for remaining chicken.
  5. Place a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon oil, onion and bell peppers and sauté for 2-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Add the pineapple to the pan followed by the sauce ingredients: garlic, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and ketchup. Bring to a simmer and give it a taste test, adding sugar and vinegar to get the balance to your liking.
  7. Mix the cornstarch and water together in a cup. Then slowly stir it into the pan. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is thick enough to coat the vegetables.
  8. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to coat evenly. Remove the skillet from heat (the sauce will thicken further and become sticky).
  9. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and serve immediately.