This week’s Happy Home Hour is Asian-inspired. Aside from Mexican food, I think any Asian-inspired meal is my husband’s favorite. We’d eat from the Chinese counter at our grocery store every night if it were up to him. So this menu is in honor of some of his favorite flavors.
Lemon Drop (serves one)
- 4 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 tsp. white sugar
In a chilled glass, combine lemon juice, vodka, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Asian Chicken Bites with Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp. peanut oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ½ tsp. Chinese five spice seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp. brown sugar
- ½ tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp. water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, create the breading for the chicken bites, by combining bread crumbs, sesame seeds, Chinese five spice seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to combine the mixture. Place the chicken on a plate in an even layer, and then drizzle the oil over the chicken. Use your hands to coat the chicken evenly with the oil. Next, add the chicken to the bread crumb mixture then place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your sweet and sour sauce. Heat a small saucepan over medium high heat and add rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, and bring to a boil. Mix together the cornstarch and water and add to the pot. Allow the mixture to thicken then divide into serving dishes.
Serve chicken bites with sweet and sour sauce either on top or in serving dishes for dunking.
What’s your favorite type of food for happy hour? Or in general? Asian? Mexican?
