Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls are a delightful appetizer or main dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce. This dish is popular in many cuisines, including Chinese and Nigerian, and it’s easy to make at home. Below, I’ll provide a detailed recipe with simple steps and tips to ensure your Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls are delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 pound of ground chicken (skinless, boneless chicken breast)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large seasoning cube (or use salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2.5 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
- 2.5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 tablespoons chili sauce (optional, for added heat)
- 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoons
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Small pot
- Whisk
- Toothpicks (for serving)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken balls cook evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Balls
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, crush the seasoning cube and mix it with the ground chicken, egg, finely chopped green onions, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands or a mixing spoon to combine the ingredients thoroughly. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
Form the Balls: Scoop out the chicken mixture and roll it into sizeable balls. The size is up to your preference, but aim for balls that are about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. This will make them easy to handle and cook evenly.
Bake the Chicken Balls: Place the chicken balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Brown the Chicken Balls
In a small pan, heat up the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the baked chicken balls and stir-fry them until they are properly browned and have a crispy exterior. This step adds texture and flavor to the chicken balls. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a small pot, heat up the water and vinegar over medium heat. Slowly stir in the cornstarch until it is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken. This will create the base of your sauce.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Once the cornstarch mixture is thickened, add the ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili sauce (if using), and grated ginger. Stir continuously on medium heat until the sauce is thick and well-combined. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 5: Combine Chicken Balls and Sauce
Add the browned chicken balls to the sweet and sour sauce. Stir gently to coat each ball evenly with the sauce. Allow the chicken balls to cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through and fully coated.
Serving
Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls warm, with toothpicks for easy picking and eating. This dish is perfect as an appetizer at a party or as a main dish with a side of rice or noodles.
Tips and Variations
Seasoning: If you don’t have a seasoning cube, you can use salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Breadcrumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture, or regular breadcrumbs for a more traditional feel.
Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference. You can add more sugar for a sweeter sauce, or more vinegar for a tangier one.
Heat Level: The chili sauce is optional but adds a nice kick to the dish. If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the chili sauce or reduce the amount.
Baking vs. Frying: While this recipe uses baking and then browning in butter, you can also fry the chicken balls in oil if you prefer a fully fried texture. Be careful to monitor the cooking time and temperature to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or even a salad for a balanced meal. They also go well with fried rice or lo mein.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this dish at home and enjoy its crispy exterior and tangy, sweet sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a tasty meal for yourself and your family, Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls are sure to please. Try this recipe today and see how easy and delicious homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls can be!
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