Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

I’m calling it easy because that’s what it is. You could actually say that about most stir-fries. Don’t be daunted by the ingredients list—all simple items that come together quickly.

And remember the stir-fry rule: Have everything ready to go before you turn on the heat. This dinner happens fast.

Note: This is a very saucy dish. Serve it over steamed white rice to soak up every drop.

You may also like Hot and Sour Chicken-Broccoli Stir-Fry and Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tsp cornstarch, divided 
• 2 large egg whites
• 1-1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp peanut oil, divided
• 2 Thai chiles, finely chopped
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced, (white and green parts separated)
• 1 cup large pineapple chunks
• 2 tsp finely chopped fresh, peeled ginger
• sea salt
• steamed white rice, for serving

Chicken Pieces

Prepared Ingredients

Preparation

1. Whisk the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, sugar, tomato paste, soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a medium bowl, combining well. 
2. Whisk the remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch and egg whites in a large bowl. Add the chicken, stirring to coat.
3. Heat a wok (or deep skillet) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon peanut oil. Add the Thai chiles and red and green bell pepper. Stir-fry 3 minutes.
4. Add the white parts of the scallions, pineapple, and ginger. Stir-fry 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Do not wipe out the wok.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Chiles and Bell Peppers 

Pineapple Mixture Added

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil to the wok. Add the chicken, letting excess egg white mixture drip back into the bowl. Stir-fry until browned and just cooked through, 10-12 minutes.
2. Return the chile mixture to the pan and add the tomato sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.

Chicken in Egg White Mixture

Beginning to Cook 

Sauce Added

Divide the rice among 4 shallow bowls and divide the wok mixture on top. Garnish with green parts of the scallions and serve right away.

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken