Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delightful and flavorful take on the classic Chinese dish. Known for their approachable and hearty cooking style, the Hairy Bikers (Si King and Dave Myers) have brought their own twist to this beloved meal.

Their recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors using fresh ingredients. The crispy, tender chicken is combined with a tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and a variety of seasonings, then paired with colorful vegetables like peppers, onions, and pineapple to create a vibrant, satisfying dish.

This sweet and sour chicken is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great option for a midweek meal or a weekend dinner. The dish combines simplicity with rich, delicious flavors and provides a home-cooked alternative to takeaway-style meals. It’s a perfect example of the Hairy Bikers’ ability to make recipes that are both accessible and exciting for home cooks at any skill level.

Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Hairy Bikers’ Sweet and Sour Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For The Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of cornflour (for coating the chicken)

For The Sweet And Sour Sauce

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 onion (peeled and chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (deseeded and chopped)
• 1 small tin of pineapple chunks in juice (drained, reserve juice)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of ketchup
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (preferably light brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon of ginger (freshly grated or ground)
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon of cornflour mixed with a little cold water to make a slurry (for thickening)

For Garnish

• Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Equipment Needed

To make Hairy Bikers’ Sweet and Sour Chicken, you’ll need the following kitchen tools and equipment:

• A large frying pan or wok (for frying the chicken and cooking the vegetables)
• A small saucepan (for preparing the sauce)
• A mixing bowl (for the cornflour slurry and chicken coating)
• A wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• A sharp knife (for chopping vegetables)
• A cutting board (for preparation)
• A spoon or ladle (for serving the sauce)
• A rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
   • Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss with cornflour to coat evenly.

2. Fry The Chicken

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 5-6 minutes per batch).
   • Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

3. Prepare The Sweet And Sour Sauce

   • In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, red, and yellow bell peppers, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.

4. Add The Sauce Ingredients

   • Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
   • Add the reserved pineapple juice and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Once the sauce begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes), add the cornflour slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

5. Combine The Chicken And Sauce

   • Add the fried chicken back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
   • Stir in the pineapple chunks and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve

   • Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of steamed rice.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander, if desired, and enjoy your homemade dish!

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Cornflour Coating: The cornflour coating on the chicken is key to getting a crispy texture. Make sure you coat the chicken evenly and fry it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Adjusting Sweetness and Sourness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more sugar or ketchup. If you like it tangier, increase the amount of rice vinegar. Adjust the balance to suit your taste!
• Adding Extra Veggies: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms. These will add more flavor and color to the dish.
• Pineapple: Using fresh pineapple instead of canned can give the dish a more vibrant flavor. If using fresh pineapple, make sure to cut it into bite-sized chunks.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce. This will add a spicy dimension that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce.

Hairy Bikers’ Sweet and Sour Chicken is a wonderfully versatile and flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors to your plate. With crispy chicken, a tangy sauce, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a fantastic meal for any occasion.

The recipe is easy to follow, and with a few small adjustments to suit your personal tastes, you can create a version of this dish that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will certainly be a hit.

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances tangy, sweet, and savory elements perfectly. However, as with most classic recipes, there are plenty of ways to add your own flair and make the dish even more suited to your tastes. Here are a few simple twists to elevate this beloved dish:

1. Adding Fresh Fruit: One fun way to freshen up the traditional recipe is by adding chunks of fresh pineapple or even mango to the dish. The natural sweetness and slight acidity of pineapple complement the tangy sauce, while mango brings a rich, tropical sweetness to the mix. These fruits can either be stir-fried with the chicken or added toward the end for a burst of freshness.
2. Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some fresh chili peppers to the sauce or garnishing the dish with chopped red chilies. A teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce can easily ramp up the heat without overpowering the dish’s characteristic sweetness.
3. Vegetable Varieties: While the classic sweet and sour chicken recipe uses bell peppers, onions, and carrots, you can add a variety of colorful vegetables to enhance both the flavor and nutrition. Consider adding baby corn, zucchini, snap peas, or even mushrooms. These vegetables will offer texture and depth of flavor while making your meal more robust and filling.
4. Healthy Substitutes: For a lighter version of the Hairy Bikers’ dish, swap out the typical frying method for grilling or baking the chicken. Instead of deep-frying, coat the chicken with a thin layer of cornflour or use a healthier oil like olive oil to stir-fry. For the sauce, opt for low-sugar or natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup to maintain the sweetness without overloading on sugar.
5. Herb Infusion: For an added layer of depth, try infusing the sauce with fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, or mint. These herbs lend a refreshing contrast to the rich, tangy sauce and add a fragrant note to the dish. You could either stir them into the sauce right before serving or use them as a garnish.
6. Asian Flavors: To bring more authenticity to the dish, try adding a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce to the sweet and sour sauce. You can also experiment with a teaspoon of hoisin sauce for a sweet, smoky undertone or a few drops of sesame oil for a deep, nutty finish.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftovers from your Sweet and Sour Chicken, proper storage methods will ensure that the flavors remain intact and the dish stays safe to eat. Here’s how to store and reheat it correctly:

1. Cool the Dish First: Before placing leftovers in the fridge, allow the sweet and sour chicken to cool down to room temperature. This prevents the buildup of condensation inside your storage container, which could make the dish soggy. It’s important to cool the food quickly within two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Transfer your leftovers into an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the sauce from leaking. These containers also help maintain the flavor and texture of the chicken and vegetables. Avoid using aluminum foil for storage, as it doesn’t seal in moisture the way plastic or glass containers do.
3. Freezing: If you’d like to store your sweet and sour chicken for longer, freezing is an option. Portion the dish into separate servings in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for the sauce to expand. When ready to reheat, let the chicken thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
4. Reheating: To reheat, place the sweet and sour chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened, add a bit of water or chicken broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.
5. Storage Duration: Leftover sweet and sour chicken will last for 2-3 days in the fridge. If frozen, it can keep for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to consume it within the first few weeks for optimal taste and texture.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken?

While the sweet and sour chicken is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the meal experience and add variety. Here are a few tasty options to serve alongside this dish:

1. Steamed Rice: The classic pairing with sweet and sour chicken is steamed white rice or jasmine rice. The fluffy, neutral rice serves as a perfect backdrop for the vibrant and tangy sauce. You can also opt for brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
2. Egg Fried Rice: For a richer, more satisfying side, egg fried rice is an excellent choice. The scrambled eggs and stir-fried vegetables bring extra texture and flavor to the meal. This side can also be made with leftover rice, making it a convenient addition.
3. Noodles: If you prefer noodles, chow mein or stir-fried rice noodles are great alternatives. The soft texture and savory flavors of the noodles soak up the sweet and sour sauce beautifully.
4. Spring Rolls: If you want to serve some appetizers or sides, crispy spring rolls, whether vegetarian or filled with shrimp or chicken, are a perfect match. They provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and the flavorful sauce.
5. Vegetable Stir-fry: A simple stir-fry of vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, and snap peas will add a fresh and healthy dimension to the meal. The slight crunchiness of the vegetables contrasts nicely with the soft chicken and the rich sauce.
6. Asian-style Salad: A refreshing Asian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and cilantro, topped with a light sesame dressing, can provide a cooling, crunchy contrast to the richness of the sweet and sour chicken.
7. Steamed Dumplings: If you’re in the mood for something extra, steamed dumplings (pork, shrimp, or vegetable) are an excellent choice. These bite-sized treats complement the bold flavors of the sweet and sour chicken, and their softness balances the crispy textures of the chicken.

Conclusion

Hairy Bikers’ Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish, and with a few simple twists, you can make it your own. Whether you’re adding fresh fruits, spicing things up, or swapping in healthier alternatives, this dish can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Storing leftovers properly will help you preserve the meal for later enjoyment, and pairing the dish with sides like rice, noodles, or spring rolls can create a more complete, satisfying meal. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that never disappoints!.

FAQs

What Makes The Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe Unique?

The Hairy Bikers’ sweet and sour chicken recipe stands out for its balanced combination of crispy chicken pieces and a flavorful sauce made from fresh ingredients. The recipe features a homemade sauce with a mix of vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice, giving it the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.

The Bikers also use a combination of fresh vegetables, including bell peppers and onions, which enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. The dish is typically served with a side of rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Can I Make Hairy Bikers’ Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare certain elements of the Hairy Bikers’ sweet and sour chicken recipe in advance. The chicken can be marinated and the sauce can be made ahead of time.

However, it’s best to fry the chicken and assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken. If you need to store leftovers, keep the chicken and sauce separate, and reheat them gently to avoid losing the crispiness of the chicken.

What Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have All The Ingredients For The Sweet And Sour Sauce?

If you don’t have all the specific ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce in the Hairy Bikers’ recipe, you can try a few substitutions. If you’re missing pineapple juice, orange juice can work as a good alternative.

If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can provide a similar tangy flavor. For the sugar, you can adjust the sweetness using honey or brown sugar to achieve the right balance. While these substitutions might slightly alter the flavor profile, the dish will still maintain its core sweet and sour characteristics.