The Ultimate Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Crafting an irresistible sweet and sour chicken recipe brings culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Crispy golden pieces of chicken dance in a vibrant sauce that balances tangy and sugary notes perfectly.

Memories of bustling Asian street markets inspired this classic dish that promises to delight your taste buds.

Tender chicken chunks coated in a glossy, zesty glaze create an instant crowd-pleaser for any meal.

Restaurant-quality flavors emerge from simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of contrasting flavors that will transport you to flavor paradise.

Prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Tasty Twists On Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Spicy Kick Chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost that transforms the classic recipe.
• Tropical Paradise Chicken: Replace apple cider vinegar with fresh orange juice and add coconut milk to create a more exotic, creamy sauce with deeper tropical notes.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute soy sauce with tamari, use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Asian Fusion Chicken: Incorporate ginger, sesame oil, and rice wine to elevate the sauce's complexity and give the dish a more authentic Asian restaurant-style profile.

Great Pairings For Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a harmonious base that complements the chicken's rich flavors.
• Complement with Crisp Riesling: A chilled, slightly sweet Riesling wine balances the dish's acidity and cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with a touch of rice vinegar provides a cool contrast to the warm, saucy chicken, adding a fresh crunch to the meal.
• Match with Pickled Ginger: Zesty pickled ginger offers a sharp, palate-cleansing element that helps balance the sweet and sour flavors of the chicken dish.

How To Store Sweet And Sour Chicken Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the food stays fresh and safe to consume.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sweet And Sour Chicken FAQs Made Simple

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken and allows the egg coating to stick better, ensuring a golden brown and textured finish.

• Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Yes, white vinegar works as a substitute, but apple cider vinegar provides a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor profile to the sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures it’s safe to eat and properly cooked.

• What if I don't have a large skillet?

You can use any wide, flat pan with high sides to fry the chicken. The key is to have enough space to brown the chicken pieces evenly without overcrowding.

Why Sweet And Sour Chicken Is A Classic With A Kick

• Customize with Ease: Swap out bell peppers or add your favorite vegetables to make this sweet and sour chicken uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to family preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Combining tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and savory soy sauce creates a delicious sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a go-to family meal.
• Healthier Home-Cooked Alternative: Skip the takeout and enjoy a homemade version that lets you control ingredients, reducing extra oil and preservatives while delivering restaurant-quality taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single baking dish and skillet means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delectable meal with your loved ones.

What You’ll Need For Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Chicken: Tender pieces that form the main protein of the dish.

• Cornstarch, Eggs: Create a crispy golden exterior for the chicken.

• Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Garlic Powder: Provide a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile for the sauce.

• Pineapple Chunks, Bell Peppers, Onion: Add color, texture, and complementary flavors to the chicken dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden brown exterior.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325°F. This temperature will help our chicken get perfectly golden and juicy.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a luxurious bath in cornstarch, then dunk them into beaten eggs. This magical combo will create a crispy, delightful exterior.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place chicken pieces and fry until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on both sides.

Once done, transfer these beauties to a baking dish.

Step 4: Craft the Tangy Sauce

• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Combine and Layer Flavors

• Pineapple chunks
• Bell peppers
• Onion

Gently stir everything to ensure each piece gets coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Bake and Enhance

Place the dish in the oven, uncovered. Bake for 45 minutes, giving it a loving stir every 15 minutes.

This helps distribute the sauce and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Tips For Juicy Sweet And Sour Chicken Every Time

• Coat chicken evenly in cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful crunch.
• Choose fresh, ripe bell peppers and pineapple chunks to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor profile of the dish.
• Stir the chicken frequently during baking to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the vibrant sauce and prevents burning.
• Adjust the sauce's sweetness or tanginess by slightly increasing or decreasing sugar and vinegar amounts to suit personal taste preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Saucy Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor Chinese-inspired magic with this delightful Sweet and Sour Chicken that blends crispy golden bites with tangy sauce. Juicy chicken pieces dance in a perfect balance of flavors, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce

Coating and Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) garlic powder
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) pineapple chunks
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 onion, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a culinary workspace and heat the oven to a precise 325°F (165°C), ensuring an even cooking environment.
2. Create a crispy coating by thoroughly dusting chicken pieces with cornstarch, then delicately dipping each piece into whisked eggs for a golden exterior.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully frying chicken until each piece develops a rich, amber-brown color on all surfaces.
4. Transfer the golden chicken to a spacious baking dish, positioning pieces for optimal sauce distribution.
5. Craft a vibrant sweet and sour sauce by whisking together sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Generously drench the chicken with the prepared sauce, then artfully scatter pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion across the surface, gently mixing to ensure complete ingredient coverage.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, allowing the dish to simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, tenderly stir the contents to guarantee each chicken piece becomes thoroughly infused with the tangy sauce.

Notes

• Cornstarch coating ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
• Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener option that adds depth to the sauce.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg