Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice

Here’s a delicious recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken served with fried rice!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 1/2 cup carrots (sliced)

Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2-3 green onions (chopped)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sweet and Sour Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in this mixture, then dip them into the beaten eggs.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Everything:
   • In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little oil if needed, then stir-fry the bell pepper, onion, carrots, and pineapple until tender. Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat.

Fried Rice:

1. Cook the Eggs:
   • In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Scramble the beaten eggs and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Rice:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then add the mixed vegetables, scrambled eggs, green onions, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve:

• Plate the sweet and sour chicken alongside the fried rice. Enjoy your homemade meal!

Feel free to customize the veggies or adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking!