Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that combines the crispy texture of battered chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce made from vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. When paired with fried rice, it makes for a wholesome and filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions.

Ingredients

For Sweet and Sour Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to form a slurry)
• 1 tbsp pineapple juice (optional)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder (optional)

For the Fried Rice:

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Chicken:

1. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cold water and mix to form a thick batter. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered chicken in batches. Fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

2. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to form a slurry. Slowly pour this into the sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. If desired, add garlic powder and ginger powder for extra flavor.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the sauce and toss them gently until fully coated. Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb some of the flavors before serving.

3. Prepare the Fried Rice:

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
2. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs and cook until fully set, then mix them into the vegetables.
4. Add the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and lightly crispy.
5. Season the Rice: Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Serve:

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fried rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
2. Enjoy: Your delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice is ready to enjoy! Serve it with extra soy sauce or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

History of Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish that originated in China but became highly popular in Western countries, especially in Chinese-American cuisine. The combination of sweet, tangy sauce with crispy chicken appeals to many tastes, which is why it has become a go-to comfort food in Chinese restaurants. While sweet and sour dishes are found in various Asian cultures (like in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine), the Americanized version is typically deep-fried and served with a rich, glossy sauce.

Benefits of Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice:

• Balanced Meal: This dish combines protein (chicken), carbs (fried rice), and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal.
• High in Protein: The chicken provides a significant amount of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in both the chicken dish and fried rice contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or sourness of the sauce to your preference, making this dish very versatile.

Conclusion:

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy chicken and flavorful fried rice in one plate. With a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to please even picky eaters. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile and customizable meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a party, Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice is sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 18g

Enjoy your homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice!