Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a homemade version of a classic takeaway favorite, this Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, it delivers the perfect balance of flavors right from your own kitchen. Not only does it taste just like restaurant-style swee

What is Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is a perfect blend of sugar, vinegar, and tomato ketchup, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish. It’s a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
• Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Homemade version of a takeaway favorite: Enjoy all the flavors of sweet and sour chicken, without the need for takeout.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, making it great for weeknight dinners.
• Balanced flavors: The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory makes this dish irresistible.
• Crispy and tender: The chicken stays crispy while being coated in the delicious sauce.
• Customizable: Add extra vegetables or adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

For the chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 100g (3.5oz) plain flour – for coating the chicken.
• 2 eggs – lightly beaten, to help the flour stick.
• 100g (3.5oz) breadcrumbs – for a crispy coating.
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil – for frying the chicken.
• Salt and pepper are used to taste and season the chicken.

For the sweet and sour sauce:

• 1 onion – chopped.
• 1 red pepper – cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 green pepper – cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 2 garlic cloves – minced.
• 100ml (3.5 fl oz) rice vinegar – for a tangy flavor.
• 100ml (3.5 fl oz) tomato ketchup – adds sweetness and richness.
• 75g (2.5oz) sugar – for balancing the tangy and sweet flavors.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – for savoriness.
• 1 tbsp cornflour – mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Equipment

• Frying pan or wok – for frying the chicken and cooking the sauce.
• Mixing bowls – for coating the chicken.
• Tongs – for handling the chicken while frying.
• Whisk – to combine the sauce ingredients.

Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly.

Step 2: Fry the chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

• In the same pan, add the chopped onion, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4: Make the sweet and sour sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, tomato ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and cornflour slurry. Pour this mixture into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Combine the chicken and sauce

• Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the pan and toss to coat them in the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Steamed rice: Fluffy white or jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
• Noodles: Serve with stir-fried noodles for a more filling meal.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Add some broccoli, carrots, or bok choy for extra nutrition.
• Spring rolls: Crispy spring rolls make a great side or starter for this dish.
• Prawn crackers: A crunchy addition to complement the soft chicken and sauce.
• Salad: A fresh cucumber or cabbage salad helps balance the richness of the dish.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Use fresh oil for frying: Fresh oil ensures that the chicken crisps up nicely without becoming greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Crisp up the chicken: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken pieces for a second time briefly after the initial frying.
• Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more cornflour mixed with water to thicken it.

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Spicy sweet and sour: Add some chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple twist: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a fruity, tangy twist.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative.
• Baked chicken: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken pieces in the oven instead of frying them.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Separate storage: Store the chicken and sauce separately to keep the chicken from becoming soggy when reheated.
• Meal prep: Portion the chicken and sauce in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Oven: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
• Microwave: Reheat the sauce and chicken separately in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat and add the chicken in the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.

How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken Healthier?

• Bake the chicken: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken pieces at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Reduce sugar: Lower the sugar content by reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Add more vegetables: Increase the vegetable content by adding extra peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the sauce.
• Lighten the sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce and less oil to make the dish lighter.
• Use whole grain sides: Serve with brown rice or whole grain noodles for added fiber.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 460
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

FAQs

Can I make sweet and sour chicken without frying the chicken?

Yes, you can make Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken without frying the chicken. Simply bake the breaded chicken pieces at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. This method will give you a lighter, healthier version while still maintaining a crispy texture.

How do I keep sweet and sour chicken crispy after adding the sauce?

To keep Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken crispy after adding the sauce, serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it over the chicken just before serving. This helps prevent the breaded chicken from becoming soggy. You can also briefly re-fry or bake the chicken just before adding the sauce.

What vegetables can I add to sweet and sour chicken?

You can add various vegetables to Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken, such as bell peppers, carrots, onions, or broccoli. These vegetables add texture and enhance the flavor of the dish. Pineapple chunks are also a popular addition for a tangy, sweet touch.

Can I freeze sweet and sour chicken leftovers?

Yes, Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken can be frozen. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers to keep the chicken crispy when reheated. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven or stovetop.

Final Words

This Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delicious homemade take on a beloved restaurant dish. With its balance of crispy chicken and tangy sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving. Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with rice or noodles for a complete and flavorful meal!

More By British Baking Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken Malaysian Curry
• Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Paprika Chicken
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore

Print