Sweet and Sour Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, paired with crispy chicken bites. It’s a favorite for takeout lovers and an easy way to recreate restaurant-quality flavor at home. The combination of tender meat, vibrant bell peppers, and pineapple chunks coated in a glossy sauce makes it both delicious and visually appealing.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastscornstarchall-purpose floursaltpeppereggsvegetable oilred and green bell pepperspineapple chunkswhite vinegarketchupsoy saucebrown sugargarlic

directions

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.

Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then coat with the flour mixture.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

In a large skillet or wok, sauté minced garlic, then add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar to make the sauce.

Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Add onions or carrots for extra crunch.

Try a spicy version by adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Make it healthier by baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep frying.

storage/reheating

Store Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.Add a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple works great and adds sweetness to the dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not typically, but you can use gluten-free flour and soy sauce to adapt it.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying.

Can I skip the peppers?

Yes, but they add great texture and color. You can substitute with other veggies if preferred.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles make great accompaniments.

Can I use a store-bought sauce?

You can, but homemade sauce gives a fresher, more customizable flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare at home. With its crispy chicken, zesty sauce, and colorful vegetables, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation.

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