Chicken with sweet and sour sauce

Sweet and sour chicken - a recipe that blends intense flavors and crunchy textures, bringing a touch of magic to your table. This delicacy is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, you will transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. I invite you to discover with me the necessary steps to prepare this sweet and sour chicken.

Useful Information

- Total preparation time: 1 hour
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 2

Ingredients

For the chicken:
- 500 g chicken fillet (preferably inner fillet, but chicken breast is also suitable)
- 200 g corn flour (also known as cornstarch, different from polenta)
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:
- 150 g brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons tomato juice
- 100 ml apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Short Story

The sweet and sour chicken recipe is inspired by the culinary traditions of many cultures that appreciate the perfect combination of sweet and sour. This recipe has been adapted from an English source to incorporate ingredients available on the Romanian market. It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to personal preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the chicken:
- Start by cutting the chicken fillet into pieces about 5 cm in size. These uniform-sized pieces will ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to give them a pleasant flavor from the start.

2. Breading:
- In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt. This will help form a crispy layer.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Then, pass each piece through the corn flour. This will give a delicious crispy layer, similar to that of a schnitzel.

3. Frying:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Here, the secret is to fry the chicken only until it turns lightly golden on both sides, not until fully cooked. This process will keep the meat juicy.
- Fry each piece of chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them and place them on a plate.

4. Preparing the sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, tomato juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic salt. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
- Arrange the fried chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, turning them 2-3 times to ensure the sauce evenly coats them.

Serving

Sweet and sour chicken is best served on a bed of plain rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce and perfectly complements the chicken's flavor. You can also add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for an extra touch of color and nutrients.

Variations and Suggestions

If you want to personalize this recipe, you can try the following variations:
- Add a few slices of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical flavor.
- Use garlic-flavored soy sauce for an extra kick.
- Replace the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter note.

Useful Tips

- Choosing the meat: Choose fresh, quality meat to achieve the best results. Inner fillet is more tender and juicy, but you can also use chicken breast.
- Corn flour: This is different from the polenta used for mămăligă. Corn flour is finer and will give a pleasant crispy layer.
- Temperature control: Make sure the oil is well heated before frying the chicken. If it's too cold, the chicken will absorb the oil and won't become crispy.

Nutritional Information

This dish is a good source of protein due to the chicken, and the sauce adds delicious flavor without being too caloric. Approximately, one serving contains:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey can be used very well as it has a similar texture.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add a few drops of hot sauce or chopped chili to the sauce.

3. What else can I serve alongside this dish?
A light summer salad or steamed vegetables are excellent accompaniments.

4. Can it be prepared in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, and then combine and bake them when you are ready to serve.

Thus, with a little effort and simple ingredients, sweet and sour chicken will surely become one of your favorite recipes. Cook with love and enjoy every bite!