Craving your favorite takeout but prefer the comfort of home? Look no further! This copycat Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken can be ready in just 30 minutes. Imagine crispy chicken mingling with crunchy bell peppers and juicy pineapple, all enveloped in a sweet chili sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

• Better Than Takeout: Skip the hefty delivery fees and bring the bold, umami flavors of this dish to your kitchen any night of the week.
• Crispy Chicken, Every Time: Thanks to a mix of flour and cornstarch, this chicken stays irresistibly crispy while being juicy on the inside.
• Perfectly Sweet & Spicy: With its sweet chili sauce combined with pineapple chunks and fragrant ginger, you’ll experience the ideal balance of each flavor. It’s an explosion of taste!
• Quick & Easy: Each element of this delightful recipe comes together in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners!

• Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. This ensures they stay juicy and tender when fried.
• All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: This dynamic duo creates that perfect crispy coating famous in Asian-style fried chicken.
• Salt & White Pepper: Essential seasonings for that extra flavor kick. White pepper adds a sharp heat that enhances the dish.
• Eggs: This ingredient helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The star ingredient providing a delightful sweet and spicy flavor.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds a splash of fruity flavor to complement the dish.
• Soy Sauce: It provides a deep umami flavor, enhancing the sauce’s saltiness.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Just a splash for tanginess and acidity that balances the flavors.
• Garlic & Ginger: These aromatic ingredients bring depth to the overall taste.
• Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers add a delightful crunch.
• Pineapple Chunks: They bring tropical sweetness and juicy texture that enriches the dish.

Bid farewell to long waits at Panda Express! With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate your favorite menu item right at home.

1. Whisk: In a medium bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken pieces and season them with salt and white pepper. In separate bowls, place the flour, cornstarch, and beaten eggs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally toss them in the cornstarch until fully coated.
4. Fry: In batches, fry the chicken in hot oil for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Remove all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Stir-fry the onions and bell peppers for about 2-3 minutes until tender.
6. Add Pineapple & Sauce: Toss in the pineapple chunks and the prepared sauce, then let it simmer for about 1 minute.
7. Combine: Gently toss in the fried chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and the sauce thickens.
8. Serve: Enjoy your dish hot over a bed of rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

This dish harmoniously balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, complemented by crispy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and luscious pineapple chunks. With these helpful tips, you can elevate your creation to taste just like Panda Express:

• Prep Ahead: This recipe comes together quickly, so chop all your veggies and measure your ingredients beforehand.
• Adjust the Spice Level: For extra kick, add more sweet chili sauce or red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, cut back on the chili sauce and increase the pineapple juice.
• Uniform Slicing: Cut your chicken and vegetables into equal sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Dredging Technique: Use one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry to minimize mess. For even crispier chicken, double dip with egg and cornstarch.
• Choose the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet or wok retains heat well, essential for even stir-frying. Opt for a deep skillet if using that type.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Ensure your frying oil is at 350°F; if it’s too cool, your chicken won’t get that delicious crispiness.
• Bake Instead of Fry: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken at 400°F on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also air fry at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Get Creative: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, use mango or peach chunks instead of pineapple, or sneak in some blanched snow peas or broccoli for added texture.

It’s a challenge to make extras of this dish because my family devours it! But if you manage some leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Ideally, keep the sauce and chicken separate to maintain that crispy texture.
• To Freeze: Store cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.
• To Reheat: For optimal reheating, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth helps maintain moisture.

Pro Tip: Before freezing, divide the chicken into meal-sized portions for easier thawing later on!

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