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Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken

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A delightful dish combining tender chicken with vibrant vegetables in a luscious tangy and sweet sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch (for coating chicken)
  • 1 large beaten egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Canola oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh chopped pineapple (optional)

Instructions

  1. Create the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth. In another small bowl, blend the cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry. Set this aside for later.
  2. Prepare for frying: Heat canola oil in a skillet to 375°F. Season the chicken pieces with salt, dredge them in the cornstarch, dip them in the beaten egg, and then coat them in all-purpose flour for an extra crispy crust.
  3. Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown. Once fried, transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  4. Sauté vegetables: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and optional pineapple; sauté over high heat for about 3 minutes until they are tender and aromatic.
  5. Mix in the sauce: Pour your prepared sauce and cornstarch slurry into the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
  6. Combine and serve: Finally, add the fried chicken to the pan, tossing everything together to coat with the flavorful sauce and vegetables. For a finishing touch, garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

Choose high-quality chicken thighs for juiciness. Maintain oil temperature while frying for a crispy texture.

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