Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish in many countries, particularly in the United States and other Western countries. The dish became popular in the US in the mid-20th century as Chinese-American cuisine became more widely available.The popularity of sweet and sour chicken can be attributed to its unique combination of flavors and the fact that it is a convenient and satisfying meal. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for families, potlucks, or dinner parties.

Serving size and preparation time:

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Serving size: 4-6 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture to coat evenly.
2. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until browned and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Pour the mixture over the vegetables in the pan and stir to combine.
5. Add the pineapple and cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over rice, garnished with sliced green onions, if desired.

Serving options:

Here are a few serving ideas for sweet and sour chicken:

1. Rice Bowl: Serve sweet and sour chicken over a bed of steaming white or brown rice.
2. Salad: Top a fresh green salad with the chicken for a crunchy and tangy contrast.
3. Wraps: Use the chicken in a wrap with fresh vegetables and sauce for a quick and convenient meal.
4. Stir-fry: Mix the chicken with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and onions, for a healthy and tasty stir-fry.
5. Noodles: Serve the chicken over a bed of noodles, such as lo mein or udon, for a filling and flavorful meal.
6. Sliders: Slice the chicken and serve on small buns with sauce and pickles for a fun party food.
7. Pizza: Top a pizza with the chicken and your favorite toppings for a unique twist on pizza night.

This dish is usually served over rice, making it a complete meal in one. The sweetness of the sauce is balanced out by the tangy vinegar, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Sweet and sour chicken is also versatile, and you can customize it to your liking by adjusting the sweetness or sourness of the sauce.

In addition to being tasty, sweet and sour chicken can also be a healthier option as long as you use a healthier oil for frying, such as coconut oil, and adjust the sugar and salt levels in the sauce. It’s also easy to make at home, so you can enjoy this delicious dish whenever you like without having to order takeout.