Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice

Introduction

This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice is a perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken bites are coated in a rich sweet and sour sauce, served over a bed of deliciously seasoned fried rice with colorful vegetables. This homemade version tastes just like your favorite takeout but is even better!

Ingredients:

For the Sweet and Sour Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup green peas
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup peas and carrots
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

For the Sweet and Sour Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken pieces in beaten egg, then toss them in the cornstarch flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
4. Combine ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in pineapple chunks and bell peppers. Add the crispy chicken and toss to coat evenly.

For the Fried Rice:

1. Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Add peas and carrots, and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Push the vegetables to one side, add the beaten eggs, and scramble until cooked.
3. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until well combined.

Serving:

Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bowl of fried rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal! 🍍🍚🍗