Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an explosion of flavors that'll make your taste buds dance! This Sweet Sour Chicken a la Yan Can Cook is not just another recipe – it's a magical blend of tangy, sweet, and savory that promises to become your new favorite go-to meal. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and maybe even the recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless thighs into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, create the sweet and sour sauce by whisking together vinegar, ketchup, and sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil and allow it to get hot.
- Sauté the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry sliced onions and chopped bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender but retain some crispness.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the ingredients.
- Stir and toss everything together, allowing the sauce to heat through and coat all ingredients evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Chicken Cutting Hack: Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
- Sauce Secrets: Whisk the sweet and sour sauce thoroughly to prevent sugar from settling and to create a smooth, glossy coating.
- Heat Management: Use a high-heat cooking method like a wok or large skillet to get that perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.
- Vegetable Crunch: Don't overcook your bell peppers and onions – you want them to retain a slight crispness for textural contrast.
- Sauce Coating Technique: When adding the sauce, toss ingredients quickly and evenly to ensure every piece is beautifully glazed.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra for delicious leftovers!Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of soy sauce to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
