Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: A Perfect Balance of Tangy and Sweet

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic dish that brings together the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors with crispy chicken bites. It’s a takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home, making it fresher and even more delicious. This dish features golden fried chicken tossed in a vibrant sauce with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple for a flavor-packed meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better Than Takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients.
Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or make it spicy with chili flakes.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken

For the Chicken:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
3 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

½ cup sugar
¼ cup ketchup
⅓ cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

For the Vegetables:

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

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated, then dip them into the beaten eggs.

2️⃣ Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4️⃣ Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

5️⃣ Combine Everything

Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it stays crispy.
Use Fresh Pineapple: For a brighter, juicier flavor, fresh pineapple works best.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less sugar to balance the sauce to your liking.

Why Sweet and Sour Chicken is a Favorite

This dish delivers the perfect balance of crispy chicken and a tangy-sweet sauce that coats every bite. The vibrant colors from the peppers and pineapple make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit.