Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice is a delightful combination of crispy chicken coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, served with flavorful fried rice. This classic takeout dish is easy to make at home and is sure to please the whole family. With its bright flavors and vibrant colors, it’s a meal that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant to your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Sweet and Sour Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them into the beaten eggs, and dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing to coat.
In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
Add the bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the sauce, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Fried Rice
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push the onion and garlic to the side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the onion and garlic.
Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the cooked rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken over a generous portion of fried rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cook Notes
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy coating.
- Day-Old Rice: For the best fried rice, use day-old rice, as it is drier and less likely to clump together.
- Cornstarch Slurry: The slurry helps thicken the sauce. Make sure to stir the sauce frequently to avoid lumps.
Variations
1. Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetable Sweet and Sour
Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
3. Shrimp Fried Rice
Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp until pink, then add to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete takeout-style meal.
- Garnishes: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
- Fresh Fruit: Add fresh pineapple or orange slices on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and fried rice ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken and fried rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I Use Air Fryer for the Chicken?
Yes, you can use an air fryer for a lighter version of the fried chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, spray the chicken pieces with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish at home. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and perfectly seasoned fried rice is sure to make this a family favorite. Try it out, and bring a taste of classic Chinese cuisine to your dinner table!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out!
