15 Chinese Deep Fried Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese deep fried sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish that has gained widespread popularity in Western countries, thanks to its delicious combination of flavors and textures. This dish originated from China and has been adapted over the years to suit different palates. The dish is made by deep frying chicken chunks and then tossing them in a sweet and tangy sauce. It is typically served with steamed rice and is a staple dish in many Chinese restaurants. If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then this recipe is a must-try!
One of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine is sweet and sour chicken. This flavorful dish is a combination of tangy sweetness and tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It's also a great way to use leftover chicken, making it a versatile and budget-friendly meal. Here are 20 delicious ways to make this classic dish even more delicious.
For a traditional take on sweet and sour chicken, try this recipe that uses a homemade sauce made with vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. The chicken is coated in a cornstarch and flour mixture and then fried until crispy. The sauce is then poured over the chicken and served with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken
Main Ingredients: Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast, Cornstarch, Large
This sweet and sour chicken recipe features tender pieces of chicken breast coated in a crispy batter and then topped with a tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. The addition of pineapple chunks adds a burst of flavor and texture to this dish, making it a must-try for any sweet and sour chicken lover.
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Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on time or just prefer a hands-off approach, this crockpot sweet and sour chicken recipe is perfect for you. Simply combine chicken, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and a homemade sauce in your slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
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Sweet And Sour Chicken - Authentic Chinese Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Cornflour, Light Soy Sauce, Egg
If you want to try an authentic Chinese version of sweet and sour chicken, this recipe is for you. It uses traditional ingredients like Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce to create a tangy and complex sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. Serve it with your favorite Chinese noodles for a complete meal.
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Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken (Paleo, Whole30)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Coarse Sea Salt, Coconut Aminos, White
If you follow a paleo or Whole30 diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of sweet and sour chicken. This recipe uses coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar to create a tangy sauce that is both paleo and Whole30 compliant. It's also gluten-free and grain-free, making it a healthy and flavorful option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
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Easy Oven Baked Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Cornstarch, Sugar
If you want to skip the frying and opt for a healthier version of sweet and sour chicken, this easy oven-baked recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is coated in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and spices and then baked until crispy. The sauce is then poured over the chicken and served with rice for a guilt-free version of this classic dish.
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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Cornstarch
This baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is similar to the previous one but uses a different mix of spices for a slightly different flavor profile. It also adds in some veggies like bell peppers and onions for added nutrition and texture. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken (Paleo, Gluten Free)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Tomato
For those who follow a paleo or gluten-free diet, this sweet and sour chicken recipe is a must-try. It uses coconut flour and arrowroot powder as a coating for the chicken, and the sauce is made with coconut aminos and honey. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and is both paleo and gluten-free.
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Homemade Chinese Fried Noodles
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Chinese Chives, Medium Carrot, Shredded
No sweet and sour chicken meal is complete without a side of noodles, and this homemade Chinese fried noodle recipe is a perfect addition to any sweet and sour chicken dish. The noodles are stir-fried with veggies and flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil for a tasty and easy side dish.
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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chicken, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Wine, Caster
If you're looking to switch things up from chicken, this sticky Chinese pork belly recipe is a great alternative. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and spices and then roasted until tender and crispy. Serve it alongside some sweet and sour sauce for a delicious and hearty meal.
Another popular Chinese dish, orange chicken, is similar to sweet and sour chicken in its sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe uses orange juice, honey, and soy sauce to create a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. Add in some orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
If you're a fan of chicken wings, this Chinese-style deep-fried chicken wing recipe is a must-try. The wings are coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices and then fried until crispy. Toss them in a sweet and sour sauce for a unique twist on classic wings.
If you like a little heat in your dishes, this Chinese spicy chicken recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is marinated in a spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and garlic, and then stir-fried with veggies for a flavorful and spicy meal. Serve it with rice to balance out the heat.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
For a change from chicken breast, try this Chinese chicken thigh recipe that uses flavorful dark meat. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder and then roasted until tender and juicy. Serve it with some stir-fried veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a comforting and flavorful soup to go with your sweet and sour chicken, try this Chinese hot and sour soup recipe. It's made with a combination of chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spices, and can be customized with your choice of protein and veggies. It's a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to sweet and sour chicken, this Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe is a great option. The chicken is stir-fried with broccoli, onions, and a homemade sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey. The result is a tasty and nutritious dish that you can feel good about eating.
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Southern Chinese Sour & Hot Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Lily Flowers, Stock
If you want to try a different version of hot and sour soup, this southern Chinese sour and hot soup recipe is a must-try. It adds in some unique ingredients like wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and black fungus for a hearty and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Chine
Main Ingredients: Pork, Black Fungus, Eggs, Sliced Green Onions, Ginger
For a different take on sweet and sour, try this Chinese sweet and sour pork chine recipe. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and spices and then roasted until crispy and tender. Serve it with some stir-fried veggies and rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Keto-Friendly Chinese Hot And Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Onion, Ginger, Chicken, Water, Dried Shiitake
If you follow a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the flavors of Chinese cuisine. This keto-friendly hot and sour soup recipe uses low-carb ingredients like shirataki noodles and erythritol to create a delicious and satisfying soup that is perfect for anyone watching their carb intake.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Sour
One of the main reasons why Chinese deep fried sweet and sour chicken is such a beloved dish is because of its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The dish gets its sweetness from ingredients like sugar, honey, and pineapple juice, while the tangy flavor comes from vinegar and ketchup. This combination of flavors creates a harmony that is both satisfying and addictive. The sweet and sour sauce is what elevates this dish from a regular fried chicken dish to a standout Chinese delicacy.
The Secret to Crispy Chicken
The key to achieving the perfect texture for the chicken in this dish is in the deep frying process. It is essential to use cornstarch in the batter to give the chicken a light and crispy coating. The cornstarch not only adds a crunch to the chicken but also helps the sauce to adhere better to the chicken. Another tip for getting crispy chicken is to make sure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and greasy.
Variations and Additions
While the traditional Chinese deep fried sweet and sour chicken recipe calls for pineapple, bell peppers, and onions in the sauce, there are various ways to make this dish your own. You can add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or even add some spice with chili peppers. You can also experiment with different meats like shrimp or pork instead of chicken. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize the dish according to your taste preferences.
Healthier Options
While deep frying may not be the healthiest cooking method, there are ways to make this dish healthier. Instead of deep frying the chicken, you can opt for baking or air frying it. You can also use less sugar in the sauce or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey. Adding more vegetables to the dish also adds more nutrients and makes it a well-rounded meal.
In conclusion, Chinese deep fried sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that has captivated the taste buds of people all over the world. Its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, crispy texture, and the ability to customize it to your liking make it a go-to dish for any Chinese food lover. So, gather your ingredients, follow this recipe, and enjoy a taste of China in the comfort of your own home.