Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
Special equipment needed:
- Lollipop sticks
- Deep-fry thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat with flour mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cornstarch.
6. Pour sauce into a large skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat.
7. Add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
9. Insert lollipop sticks into each chicken piece and transfer to a serving platter.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Fry chicken at 350°F
- Cook sauce at medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 1500mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of rice vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Instead of pineapple juice, use orange juice or apple juice.
- Instead of red and green bell peppers, use any color bell pepper or substitute with carrots or broccoli.
Variations:
- Use shrimp or pork instead of chicken.
- Add diced onions or garlic to the sauce.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to prevent it from becoming greasy.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
- Double coat the chicken with flour mixture for extra crispiness.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken lollipops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat chicken lollipops in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange chicken lollipops on a platter with a bowl of extra sauce in the center.
- Serve on a bed of rice or noodles.
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro
Pairings:
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice
- Egg rolls
Suggested side dishes:
- Vegetable stir-fry
- Steamed dumplings
- Spring rolls
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pineapple juice or water to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not crispy enough, try frying it for a few more minutes or using a different flour mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use a separate cutting board and utensils for raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
- Sweet and sour sauce originated in China and has become a popular flavor in many Asian cuisines.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
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Region: Chinese