Mary Berry Sweet and Sour Chicken is a stir-fried chicken dish finished in a classic sweet-and-sour sauce made with vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy. The chicken stays juicy, the vegetables keep their bite, and the sauce thickens just enough to cling to every piece.
It’s typically served hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Chicken breast – 500 g, cut into bite-size pieces
Cornflour – 2 tbsp
Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
Onion – 1 large, sliced
Red bell pepper – 1, sliced
Pineapple chunks – 200 g (fresh or tinned, drained)
Tomato ketchup – 4 tbsp
White wine vinegar – 3 tbsp
Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp
Soft brown sugar – 3 tbsp
Cornflour – 1 tsp
Water – 100 ml
Prepare the chicken – Toss the chicken pieces with cornflour until lightly coated. This helps seal in moisture and gives the sauce something to cling to later.
Mix the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornflour, and water until smooth. This prevents lumps and ensures even thickening.
Heat the pan – Warm the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough to sizzle without smoking.
Cook the chicken – Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, turning, until lightly golden and just cooked through. Remove to a plate to avoid overcooking.
Soften the vegetables – Add the onion and pepper to the same pan. Stir-fry until softened but still slightly crisp, keeping colour and texture.
Combine and sauce – Return the chicken to the pan, add the pineapple, then pour in the sauce. Stir gently as it bubbles and thickens, coating everything evenly.
Finish and serve – Cook for a final minute until glossy and heated through. Taste and adjust with a splash more vinegar or sugar if needed.
Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-sweet-and-sour-chicken/