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Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites: A Delicious Treat Made Easy

Sweet and sour chicken bites are a delightful dish that has captured palates across the globe. This versatile recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a party appetiser. With the option to prepare them in either an air fryer or an oven, these bite-sized delights promise a crispy texture on the outside while remaining succulent and juicy on the inside. Let’s dive into the details of creating these tantalising morsels!

Ingredients

For the chicken bites:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil

For the sweet and sour sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Optional: sesame seeds and chopped spring onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Bites:

Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station: one plate with cornflour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with panko breadcrumbs.

• Dredge each chicken piece in the cornflour, ensuring an even coating.
• Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, followed by a roll in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

2. Cooking Options:

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
• Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Lightly spray with cooking spray to achieve a golden finish.
• Cook for approximately 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Arrange the breaded chicken bites in a single layer on the tray and lightly spray or drizzle with oil.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

While the chicken bites are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the simmering mixture. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Toss and Serve:

Once the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and pour the sweet and sour sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly.

Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added flavour and a splash of colour.

Conclusion

Sweet and sour chicken bites are a fun and flavourful dish that can be easily made in either an air fryer or an oven, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Their combination of crispy texture and tangy sweetness makes them irresistible, whether you’re enjoying them as part of a family meal or serving them at your next gathering. Pair them with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal, and prepare for your guests to ask for seconds! Enjoy your cooking adventure with these delightful bites!

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