Budget-Friendly Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe Under $2

Learn how to create a delicious sweet and sour chicken dish at home for less than $2 per serving.

Key Takeaway: Make flavorful sweet and sour chicken using simple ingredients, saving money compared to restaurant prices.

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Introduction

Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish known for its tangy sauce and crispy chicken. Discover how to whip up this Americanized favorite at home economically without compromising on taste.

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Ingredients and Cost Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed to make sweet and sour chicken for under $2:

Ingredient	Quantity	Cost (approx.)
Chicken Thighs	1 lb (450g)	$1.50
Bell Peppers (red & green)	1 each	$1.00
Red Onion	1/2 medium	$0.50
Pineapple (fresh or canned)	1 cup diced	$0.50
Vegetable Oil	3 tbsp	$0.10
Garlic	3 cloves	<$0.10
Total Cost per Serving		<$2.00

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Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare Ingredients

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cost: $4.70 total for chicken and vegetables

1. Cut Vegetables:

• Dice 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and half a red onion into 1-inch pieces. Cut 1 cup of pineapple into small chunks. Set aside.

1. Prep Chicken:

• Cut 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. Make Sweet and Sour Sauce

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cost: <$0.50 for sauce ingredients

1. Mix Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 3.5 tbsp ketchup, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar, and salt to taste. Whisk until smooth.

1. Prepare Slurry:

• In another bowl, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Set aside.

3. Batter and Fry Chicken

• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Cost: <$1.50 for chicken frying

1. Prepare Batter:

• In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and mix. Gradually add 3/4 cup ice water and 1 tbsp vegetable oil to make a thick batter.

1. Coat Chicken:

• Dust chicken pieces lightly with flour. Dip each piece into the batter, coating evenly.

1. Fry Chicken:

• Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

4. Stir-Fry and Combine

• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Cost: <$0.30 for stir-frying ingredients

1. Stir-Fry Vegetables:

• In the same wok, leave about 3 tbsp of oil. Stir-fry the diced bell peppers and red onion until slightly softened and charred, about 2-3 minutes.

1. Add Pineapple and Sauce:

• Add diced pineapple to the wok. Pour in the prepared sweet and sour sauce. Toss together and let it simmer for 1 minute.

1. Thicken Sauce:

• Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour half into the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add more slurry if needed.

1. Combine Chicken:

• Add the fried chicken pieces back into the wok. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Cost: <$2.00 per serving

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with finely minced garlic. Serve hot over steamed rice.

1. Enjoy Your Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken:

• Dig into a budget-friendly, flavorful dish that’s as good as any takeout, made right in your kitchen.

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Conclusion

Making sweet and sour chicken at home not only saves you money but also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. This recipe proves that with a few simple steps and affordable ingredients, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Next time you crave sweet and sour chicken, skip the takeout and try this homemade version. It’s economical, delicious, and perfect for any movie night or family dinner.