Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

The magic of sweet and sour chicken sparks excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Home cooks adore this classic dish that balances tangy and rich flavors perfectly.

Chinese cuisine brings incredible depth to every single bite.

Crispy chicken pieces swim in a vibrant sauce that dances between sweet and zesty notes.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality meals right in your own kitchen.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something truly spectacular.

These flavor combinations will make you feel like a professional chef in moments.

Let’s turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure!

Why Sweet And Sour Chicken Is Tangy, Crispy, And Irresistible

• Crisp and Delightful: The recipe offers a perfect balance of crunchy chicken coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, creating a textural explosion that delights taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Preparation takes under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy families seeking a fast and flavorful dinner solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This dish appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar flavors, crispy chicken, and colorful bell peppers that make the meal visually appealing and satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to serve over rice or noodles, the recipe provides flexibility for different preferences and can be customized with additional vegetables or protein.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken Pieces: Soft white meat that provides the main protein, best when boneless and cut into bite-sized chunks.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance chicken's natural flavor.
• Cornstarch, Eggs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that seals in chicken's moisture.

• Ketchup, Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce: Classic sweet and sour sauce components that balance tangy and sweet flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic notes to the sauce.
• Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and freshness.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds tropical sweetness and texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying chicken and sautéing vegetables, creates crispy texture.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy appearance.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Create a crispy exterior by rolling each piece in cornstarch, then dipping into whisked eggs. The coating will help create a crunchy, golden shell that locks in all the juicy goodness.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until it’s shimmering hot. Carefully place chicken pieces into the oil, working in batches to maintain the perfect crisp. Fry each piece until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the crispy chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Cornstarch slurry

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Saute Colorful Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Saute for 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. Sprinkle in pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

Step 5: Bring the Sauce to Life

Pour the prepared sauce over the sauteed vegetables. Let it simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a glossy, vibrant coating.

Step 6: Unite Chicken and Sauce

Gently add the crispy chicken pieces to the sauce-covered vegetables. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious sauce coating.

Step 7: Final Simmering

Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and creates a mouthwatering dish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your Sweet and Tangy Chicken Delight over fluffy white rice or alongside some delicious noodles. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Helpful Cooking Tips For Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Crisp Chicken Technique: Coat chicken in cornstarch before egg dipping for an extra crunchy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates a perfect texture.
• Sauce Balancing Trick: Adjust sweet and sour sauce ingredients to taste, using more vinegar for tanginess or sugar for sweetness, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Frying Pro Tip: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying chicken to maintain oil temperature and achieve consistent, crispy results.
• Vegetable Timing Strategy: Sauté bell peppers and onions just until slightly tender to preserve their natural crunch and vibrant colors in the final dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare crispy chicken and sauce separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the chicken's crispiness and prevent sogginess.

How To Store Sweet And Sour Chicken Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerate leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the crispy chicken separate from sauce to maintain its crunchiness when storing.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the chicken soggy and tough.
• Freeze the dish without pineapple chunks for maximum freshness, storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly until piping hot.

What To Serve With Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Rice Wine: A chilled, light-bodied Asian rice wine cuts through the richness of the crispy chicken, balancing the sweet and tangy sauce with its clean, refreshing taste.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the vibrant sweet and sour sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious base that enhances the dish's complex flavors.
• Match with Cucumber Salad: A cool, crunchy cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil provides a fresh, light contrast to the rich, crispy chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Serve with Green Tea: A subtly bitter, warm green tea helps cut through the dish's sweetness and oiliness, refreshing the mouth and complementing the meal's bold flavors.

Tasty Variations Of Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Zesty Citrus Chicken: Replace vinegar with fresh orange and lemon juice for a brighter, tangy flavor profile. Add orange zest to the sauce for extra citrusy notes.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Incorporate sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the sweet and sour sauce. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for additional heat and complexity.
• Coconut Fusion Chicken: Swap part of the sauce with coconut milk for a creamy texture. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped fresh cilantro for tropical undertones.
• Lighter Baked Version: Skip deep-frying and bake chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F until crispy. Use less oil and cornstarch for a healthier alternative that still maintains a satisfying crunch.

FAQs About Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Why do I need to dredge the chicken in cornstarch before frying?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in the chicken’s moisture and prevents it from becoming soggy. It also helps the egg coating stick better and gives the chicken a delightful crunch.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar in the sauce?

White rice vinegar works best for authentic sweet and sour flavor, but you can substitute apple cider vinegar if needed. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the traditional taste of the dish.

• Is it important to fry the chicken in batches?

Yes! Overcrowding the pan reduces oil temperature and prevents the chicken from getting crispy. Frying in batches ensures each piece gets evenly golden and maintains that perfect crunch you want in sweet and sour chicken.

• How do I know when the sauce is the right thickness?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. It typically takes 2-3 minutes of cooking to reach the perfect consistency, where it’s not too runny or too thick.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic comes alive with this sweet and sour chicken, blending tangy zest and succulent flavors from traditional Chinese cuisine. Crispy chicken pieces glazed in a perfectly balanced sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Coating Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.5 cup rice vinegar
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Vegetables and Fruit:

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating and flavor penetration.
2. Create a crispy exterior by carefully dredging seasoned chicken in cornstarch, then delicately dipping into beaten eggs for a protective layer.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until shimmering, maintaining medium-high temperature for optimal frying conditions.
4. Fry chicken pieces in small batches, allowing each piece to transform into a golden, crispy delight with approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Transfer fried chicken to paper towels, letting excess oil drain and maintain crispiness.
6. Prepare the vibrant sweet and sour sauce by whisking together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch slurry until smooth and well-integrated.
7. In a clean skillet, introduce a touch of oil and quickly sauté bell peppers and onions until they soften and release their aromatic qualities.
8. Incorporate pineapple chunks into the vegetable medley, enhancing the dish’s tropical essence.
9. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables, allowing it to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
10. Gently introduce the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each morsel gets thoroughly coated with the tangy mixture.
11. Allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the sauce’s flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.
12. Plate the sweet and sour chicken over steaming white rice or alongside delicate noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Create a crispy coating by patting chicken dry before dredging to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy breading.
• Use high-quality cornstarch for an extra light and crispy texture that doesn’t absorb too much oil during frying.
• For a healthier version, bake the chicken instead of deep-frying by placing coated pieces on a wire rack and cooking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Customize the sauce’s sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or replacing it with honey or agave for a more complex flavor profile and alternative dietary options.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg