Craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect balance of tangy and sweet? Get ready to transform your dinner table with these irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls that will make your taste buds dance! This Chinese-inspired recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine golden, crispy chicken balls smothered in a vibrant, glossy sauce that's packed with pineapple and bell pepper – it's like a flavor party in your mouth!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Using clean hands, form the chicken mixture into uniform round balls, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Ensure each ball is compact and tightly formed.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place chicken balls into the heated skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- In a separate saucepan, combine remaining soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, pineapple chunks, and diced bell peppers. Simmer sauce on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once chicken balls are cooked, transfer them into the simmering sweet and sour sauce. Gently coat each ball, allowing them to absorb the flavors for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with additional chopped green onions if desired. Recommended to serve over steamed rice.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your chicken balls reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Mixing Technique: When combining chicken and breadcrumbs, mix gently to keep the meat tender and prevent tough chicken balls.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce on medium heat to allow flavors to meld and achieve the right thickness.
- Coating Trick: For extra crispy chicken balls, you can lightly dust them in cornstarch before cooking for a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Meal Prep Hack: These chicken balls can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
