Restaurant-style sweet and sour chicken

I tried out a new recipe last night from my latest issue of Simple & Delicious, and it was just that! Not the healthiest choice, but delicious! Jay even had some for breakfast this morning, if you can believe that! I served it with a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies (we like the VIP Mandarin style: peapods, broccoli, mushrooms, water chestnuts, carrot slivers) and some quick fried rice. I didn't add carrots and pineapples to the sauce, just 'cause I was tired of standing at the counter after slaving over Valentine's candy for my spoiled-rotten sweetheart after I got home from work!

Classic Sweet-and-Sour Chicken

INGREDIENTS
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
Oil for frying
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

SWEET-AND-SOUR SAUCE:
2 jars (10 ounces each) sweet-and-sour sauce
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained
Hot cooked rice

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, egg, baking powder, sugar, salt and pepper. In an electric skillet, heat 1/4 in. of oil to 375°. Dip chicken into batter. Fry in oil, a few pieces at a time, for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweet-and-sour sauce, carrots, green pepper, onion and pineapple. Cover and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve chicken and sauce with rice. Yield: 4 servings