The crispy chicken with sweet and sour sauce is a simple and quick second course to prepare, perfect for bringing a tasty and enveloping flavored recipe to the table. The contrast between the chicken’s crispiness and the sauce’s sweetness makes this dish particularly appetizing while maintaining an easy preparation accessible to everyone: it is indeed very easy to make and takes just a few minutes.
The chicken is also very light since it does not even involve frying; indeed, it can be cooked in an air fryer or oven. Alternatively, for those who prefer the traditional version, it is also possible to fry it in oil. The sweet and sour sauce is literally prepared in two minutes: just a few ingredients are enough, and the result will win over everyone. Below you will find all the cooking variants with precise times and indications to choose the method that best suits your needs.
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CHECK OUT THESE EASY RECIPES WITH CHICKEN TOO:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- to taste hot paprika
- to taste salt
- 4 tbsps ketchup
- 4 tbsps soy sauce
- 2 tbsps rice vinegar
- 2 tbsps honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsps water
- to taste chili powder
- to taste sesame seeds
Tools
- Air Fryer
Steps
Start by cutting the chicken breast into thick strips, to obtain pieces similar to strips but slightly larger, ideal for maintaining a juicy texture during cooking. Transfer them to a large bowl and season with salt and hot paprika (or smoked or sweet, according to your taste). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
In another bowl, beat two eggs, then coat each piece of chicken first in the egg and then in crushed cornflakes (unsweetened), or alternatively, in breadcrumbs if you prefer a more traditional breading.
Place the breaded pieces in the air fryer’s basket, add a light spray of oil and cook at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes, adjusting the time based on the chicken’s thickness. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a static oven at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, or opt for classic frying: immerse the pieces in plenty of hot sunflower seed oil and fry for about 10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
In the meantime, prepare the sweet and sour sauce: in a non-stick pan, combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili powder (optional). Stir and turn the heat to low, heating everything for about a minute. Separately, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water, then add it to the mixture in the pan. Continue stirring for another minute of cooking: the sauce will thicken quickly. Once ready, transfer it to a small bowl and complete with sesame seeds.
All that’s left is to brush the chicken with the sweet and sour sauce, and add more sesame seeds for decoration if desired. Serve hot (or warm) and enjoy this crispy chicken with sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Tips for You
• Chicken Cutting: For optimal results, choose a compact and even chicken breast. Cut it into similar pieces to ensure even cooking. Avoid pieces too thin to prevent them from drying out.
• Lighter Bread Coating: If you prefer an even lighter version, you can replace cornflakes with whole wheat breadcrumbs or Japanese panko, which still provides good crispiness.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sauce thickens very quickly, so it is advisable to stir constantly and keep the heat low to avoid burning or thickening too much. You can store it in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered.
• Variants: You can enrich the dish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh scallions cut into rings. It’s also great served with basmati rice or sautéed vegetables.
• Substitutions: If you do not have honey or prefer plant-based alternatives, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup in the same quantities. As for cornstarch, it can be replaced with potato starch, always dissolved first in a little cold water, to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce consistency.
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