The crispy chicken with sweet and sour sauce is a simple and quick main dish to prepare, perfect for bringing a tasty and enveloping recipe to the table. The contrast between the crispiness of the chicken and the sweetness of the sauce makes this dish particularly appetizing, while still being easy to prepare: indeed, it is really easy to make in just a few minutes.
The chicken is also very light since it doesn’t even require frying; it can be cooked in an air fryer or an oven. Alternatively, for those who prefer the traditional version, it can also be fried in oil. The sweet and sour sauce is prepared literally in two minutes: just a few ingredients are needed, and the result will win everyone over. Below you will find all the cooking variations with precise times and instructions to choose the method that best suits your needs.
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CHECK OUT THESE EASY RECIPES WITH CHICKEN TOO:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 eggs
- as needed hot paprika
- as needed salt
- as needed unsweetened cornflakes
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- as needed chili powder
- as needed sesame seeds
Tools
- Air Fryer
Steps
Start by cutting the chicken breast into thick strips, creating 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 so that the spices are evenly distributed.
In another bowl, beat two eggs, then dip each piece of chicken first in the egg and then in the crushed cornflakes (unsweetened), or, alternatively, in breadcrumbs if you prefer a more traditional coating.
Place the coated pieces in the basket of the air fryer, add a light spray of oil, and cook at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the chicken. Alternatively, you can cook 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 oil and fry for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, prepare the sweet and sour sauce: in a non-stick pan, combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili powder (optional). Mix and heat on low flame 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: the sauce will thicken quickly. Once ready, transfer it to a small bowl and finish with sesame seeds.
All that’s left is to brush the chicken with the sweet and sour sauce, and add more sesame seeds as a 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 uniform chicken breast. Cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Avoid pieces that are too thin to prevent drying out.
• Lighter Coating: If you prefer an even lighter version, you can replace the cornflakes with whole wheat breadcrumbs or Japanese panko, which still offers good crispiness.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sauce thickens very quickly, so we recommend stirring constantly and keeping the heat low to prevent burning or over-thickening. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered.
• Variations: You can enrich the dish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh scallions sliced into rounds. Also excellent served with basmati rice or stir-fried vegetables.
• Substitutions: If you don’t 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.
Don’t miss the latest recipe for the 👉 sliced steak cooked in an air fryer: discover all my tricks for perfect cooking!
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