Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Sweet and Tangy Chicken Delight?
It is a dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, wok-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce made with fresh pineapple and bell peppers.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, you should let the chicken marinate in the soy sauce and sherry mixture for at least 30 minutes.
What ingredients are in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, sherry wine, one beaten egg, pepper, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying the chicken?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) in an electric skillet or deep fryer.
How long does it take to fry the chicken pieces?
The chicken should be fried in batches for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through.
Should I drain the pineapple chunks?
Yes, drain the pineapple chunks but reserve the juice to use as a base for the sauce.
How do I prepare the liquid for the sweet and tangy sauce?
Take the reserved pineapple juice and add enough water to make a total of 1 cup of liquid.
What ingredients make up the sweet and tangy sauce?
The sauce is made from the pineapple juice and water mixture, cornstarch, sugar, catsup, vinegar, and soy sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Bring the sauce mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring frequently until it reaches a thick consistency.
What vegetables are added to the dish?
One medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, is added to the sauce along with the pineapple chunks.
How do I combine the chicken and the sauce?
Once the sauce is thickened, add the pineapple, green pepper, and fried chicken, stirring gently to coat and heating for 2-3 minutes.
What should I serve with this chicken dish?
This recipe is best served immediately over hot cooked rice for a complete meal.
How much cornstarch is needed for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, divided between the marinade and the sauce.
What type of oil is best for frying?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, it contains 1 tablespoon of sherry wine in the marinade.
How much sugar is in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of sugar to achieve its sweet flavor profile.
Is the egg beaten before adding to the marinade?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one beaten egg.
What is the size of the green pepper pieces?
The green pepper should be cut into 1-inch pieces to match the size of the chicken.
How much catsup is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of catsup in the sauce.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vinegar.
What seasonings are used for the chicken coating?
The coating is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I use an electric skillet?
Yes, an electric skillet is recommended for heating the oil to the specific temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the recipe uses 1 lb of chicken and 15 oz of pineapple, typically serving 3-4 people.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is whisking together the soy sauce, sherry, egg, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
Should I fry all the chicken at once?
No, you should fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maintain the oil temperature.
What do I do after the chicken is fried?
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Is this considered an Asian cuisine recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as Asian cuisine and sweet and sour chicken.
How much soy sauce is used in the sauce specifically?
One tablespoon of soy sauce is added to the sauce mixture, in addition to what was used in the marinade.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a smooth, thickened, tangy glaze.