James Martin Sweet And Sour Chicken

James Martin's Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that embodies the classic tangy flavor profile beloved in sweet and sour cuisine. This recipe is perfect for those looking to recreate a takeaway favorite with a homemade touch. The original recipe can be attributed to James Martin, a renowned chef known for his simple yet delicious approaches to traditional dishes.

Ingredients for the Sweet and Sour Chicken

• For the Chicken and Vegetables:
  • Chicken breast fillets (700g), sliced lengthways
  • Gluten-free self-raising flour (200g)
  • Cider (150ml)
  • Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon for vegetables, more for frying)
  • Red pepper (1, diced)
  • Green pepper (1, diced)
  • Pineapple (½, diced)
  • Onion (1, peeled and diced)
• For the Sauce:
  • Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
  • Honey (1 tablespoon)
  • Cornflour (2 tablespoons) mixed with equal parts water
  • Tomato ketchup (100ml)
  • Chicken stock (100ml)
  • Sherry (1 tablespoon)
  • Red chilli (1, sliced)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, peeled and grated)
  • Ginger (3cm piece, peeled and grated)
• To Serve:
  • Spring onions (4, sliced)
  • Coriander (1 small bunch)
  • Boiled rice

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by mixing the flour and cider in a large bowl. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture and then deep fry them at 170°C for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain the chicken pieces after frying.
2. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the onions and peppers for a few minutes before adding the diced pineapple.
3. For the sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sherry, and chicken stock in a pan. Bring this mixture to a boil, then simmer to reduce slightly before thickening it with a cornflour and water mixture.
4. Combine the vegetables and fried chicken with the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5. Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot, garnished with sliced spring onions and coriander, alongside boiled rice.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, cool the dish quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours. Stored in an airtight container, the sweet and sour chicken can last up to 3 days in the fridge. For reheating, ensure it's piping hot throughout before serving.

Nutritional Information

This dish is high in protein from the chicken and provides a good mix of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and pineapple. The sauce ingredients add depth to the flavor while contributing sugars and sodium, so it's best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ about the Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute with regular self-raising flour if gluten is not a concern.
• Is it possible to make this dish less spicy? Yes, adjust the amount of red chilli or omit it altogether for a milder sauce.

Enjoy creating this delicious sweet and sour chicken dish that brings a touch of James Martin's culinary expertise into your home.

Original recipe attributed to James Martin.