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Tangy & Sweet Savory Sour Chicken

  • Author: Sarah

Ingredients

Scale

To create this culinary masterpiece, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients:

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
    • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (Chicken breast can also be used, but thighs are more tender and flavorful)
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred to control saltiness)
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for tenderizing and thickening the sauce later)
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated (adds warmth and zing)
    • 1 clove garlic, minced (for aromatic depth)
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
  • For the Tangy & Sweet Savory Sour Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup rice vinegar (brings the tangy and sour notes)
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (balances the sour and adds sweetness)
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adds savory depth and umami)
    • 2 tablespoons ketchup (for sweetness, tang, and color)
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds complexity and savory notes)
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water, to thin the sauce and add moisture)
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds nutty aroma and flavor)
  • For Stir-frying and Serving:
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking the chicken and vegetables)
    • 1 medium onion, sliced (adds sweetness and texture)
    • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced (adds sweetness, color, and crunch)
    • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained – for sweetness and tropical tang)
    • Optional vegetables: Broccoli florets, carrots (sliced), snow peas, green beans (add versatility and nutrition)
    • Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish and nutty flavor)
    • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish and fresh, mild onion flavor)
    • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving, choose your preferred base)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own restaurant-quality Tangy & Sweet Savory Sour Chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (30 minutes minimum, up to overnight)

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper.
  2. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and more tender chicken, marinate for up to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Tangy & Sweet Savory Sour Sauce

  1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water).
  2. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside. This ensures that the sauce will thicken properly and evenly when cooked.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet or wok is sufficiently heated before adding the chicken for optimal searing.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
  3. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet.
  2. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper (and any other optional vegetables you are using) to the skillet.
  3. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked but still retain a slight crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

  1. Pour the prepared Tangy & Sweet Savory Sour Sauce into the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
  2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  3. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and becomes glossy. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate and create a beautiful, thickened consistency.
  4. Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables.
  5. Stir gently to combine everything and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
  6. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to heat through completely.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  1. Stir in the sesame oil for added aroma and flavor.
  2. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
  4. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat: 25 grams
  • Protein: 40 grams

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Find it online: https://littlemamacooks.com/tangy-sweet-savory-sour-chicken/