Did you know that today is Chinese New Year? Well, I didn’t! But I do now, and it just so happens, by coincidence only, that I had planned an oriental themed dinner tonight! Brilliant, I know, and man was it delicious! Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken, Chicken Lo Mein, and steamed rice. I actually attempted to make homemade Fortune Cookies, but the recipe failed. Man, I was so disapointed. I made my own fortunes to put inside and everything. But, it happens, right? I put together the sweet and sour chicken recipe years ago, and it is always a crowd pleaser. One of the more time consuming recipes that I make, and definitely makes a mess of your kitchen, but once you take a bite, it is all worth it.
Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Oil for frying
For the batter:
1 cup pancake mix
1 cup water
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Mix together! It should be about the same consistency as a regular pancake batter.
Heat oil hot enough that when you place a wooden spoon into the oil, it begins to bubble. Dip chicken pieces into the batter and than place gently into hot oil. Cook until lightly browned. Place onto paper towel to absorb excess oil.
*I take a little help from the store and by a jar of sweet and sour sauce for dipping. I buy La Choy brand. It’s excellent!
Now onto the Chicken Lo Mein…
I kind of just made this up tonight. I tried to look up recipes for Lo Mein, and I couldn’t really find any that looked really really good, so I just through this together and it actually turned out quite tasty.
Chicken Lo Mein
1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 tbl. olive oil
1/2 lb. spagetti noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 bag of frozen stir fry vegetables
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tbl. cornstarch
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 cloves garlic, minced
Mix together broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, bouillon, and garlic. In large skillet, heat olive oil and add chicken. Cook until almost done, and add vegetables. Cook until heated through. Add noodles and sauce and cook until sauce thickens. Cook for 2-3 more minutes stirring frequently.
