There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of homemade sweet and sour chicken. With its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, crispy golden chicken, and a glossy, vibrant sauce, this dish brings the flavors of a classic takeout favorite right to your kitchen.

Making this from scratch not only tastes better, but it also lets you control the ingredients—no artificial additives, just simple, fresh, and wholesome components. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving a cozy night in, this sweet and sour chicken recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better than takeout – Skip the delivery and make a healthier, fresher version at home.
• Crispy, juicy chicken – Lightly battered and fried to perfection, each bite is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
• Perfectly balanced sauce – A mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that coat the chicken beautifully.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour, making it a great weeknight meal.
• Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ onion, cut into chunks

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor before coating.

In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix the flour and cornstarch together. Dredge the chicken pieces first in the egg, then in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. This double-coating method creates a crispy, golden crust when fried.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread in—if it sizzles immediately, it’s hot enough.

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Once the sauce starts bubbling, mix the cornstarch slurry and pour it in. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens into a smooth, glossy consistency. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan or wok, heat a little oil and add the onions, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the crispy fried chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the thickened sweet and sour sauce over everything and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor.

Helpful Tips

• For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken. Fry once until golden, let it rest for a few minutes, and then fry again for an extra crunchy texture.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
• For a lighter version, skip the deep-frying and use an air fryer or lightly sauté the chicken.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for tofu or cauliflower.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Diet: Halal

Notes

• This recipe pairs well with jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and used as a dipping sauce for other dishes like spring rolls or chicken nuggets.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate values)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Store them separately and reheat before serving to maintain crispiness.

How do I make it healthier?

Instead of deep-frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or use an air fryer for a lower-oil option.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can work as substitutes. Just note that they may slightly alter the flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven and warm the sauce on the stove before combining.
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The microwave is fine for a quick fix, but the chicken may lose its crunch.

Related Recipes

If you loved this sweet and sour chicken, here are a few more delicious recipes to try:

• French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos
• Spicy Orange Chicken: A Sweet and Zesty Comfort Dish
• Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Cozy Culinary Tradition

Conclusion

Making sweet and sour chicken at home is easier than you think, and the results are truly rewarding. With crispy fried chicken, a homemade tangy-sweet sauce, and fresh vegetables, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or to impress family and friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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