Sweet and Sour Chicken

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine, known for its irresistible balance of flavors and vibrant presentation. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a light, crispy batter and then tossed in a glossy sauce that perfectly blends tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and savory seasonings. The addition of colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple not only enhances the taste but also makes the dish visually appealing.

What makes Sweet and Sour Chicken truly special is its harmony of contrasts—crunchy yet juicy chicken, sweet yet tangy sauce, and the refreshing burst of pineapple against the savory backdrop. It’s a dish that brings comfort and excitement to the table, making it a favorite for family dinners, festive gatherings, or even a quick weeknight meal.

I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The crunch of the lightly fried chicken contrasts beautifully with the sticky, flavorful sauce, making it incredibly satisfying. The sweet pineapple adds a refreshing touch, while the bell peppers give it a subtle crispness. What I adore most is how this dish feels both comforting and exciting at the same time—it’s the kind of meal that instantly lifts your mood and makes any dinner feel special.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a must-try because it embodies everything you want in a memorable meal: bold flavors, contrasting textures, and a presentation that’s sure to impress. It’s not only a restaurant favorite but also surprisingly simple to recreate at home. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even when entertaining guests—it always leaves everyone asking for seconds. If you want a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike, Sweet and Sour Chicken is a guaranteed winner.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs – cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Oil for deep frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• ½ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Vegetables & Add-ins:

• 1 red bell pepper – cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper – cut into chunks
• 1 small onion – cut into chunks
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make batter, coat chicken, and fry until crispy.
2. Prepare sweet and sour sauce until glossy.
3. Stir-fry vegetables and pineapple.
4. Toss fried chicken with sauce and vegetables.
5. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Step-by-Step Recipe Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, egg, and cold water until smooth.
2. Dip chicken cubes into the batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
2. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce; cook until glossy.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. In a wok, heat a little oil.
2. Add bell peppers, onions, and pineapple; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add fried chicken into the wok with vegetables.
2. Pour sauce over and toss until well coated.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
• Best paired with fried rice, plain steamed rice, or noodles.
• Can also be enjoyed as part of a family-style Chinese dinner spread.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Fry chicken in batches for maximum crispiness.
• Do not overcook the vegetables—they should remain slightly crunchy.
• Adjust sauce sweetness and tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar.

Variations

• Sweet and Sour Pork – Replace chicken with pork cubes.
• Vegetarian Version – Use cauliflower, tofu, or mushrooms instead of chicken.
• Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Healthier Option – Bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Store fried chicken separately (to keep crispy) for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and toss in fresh sauce before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Deep fryer or deep pan for frying
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic that never disappoints. With crispy golden chicken, fresh veggies, pineapple, and that iconic tangy-sweet sauce, this dish is both comforting and exciting. It’s colorful, flavorful, and guaranteed to be the star of any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings the takeout experience right to your kitchen—deliciously homemade and full of love.