If you love the combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is for you! This dish features crispy fried chicken coated in a delicious homemade sweet and sour sauce made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether served over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Crispy Yet Saucy
The chicken stays crispy while being coated in the flavorful sweet and sour sauce.
2. Better Than Takeout
This homemade version is fresher, healthier, and even more delicious than what you get at a restaurant.
3. Simple Ingredients
Uses everyday ingredients, many of which you likely already have at home.
4. Easy to Customize
Swap ingredients or adjust the level of sweetness and tang to your liking.
Ingredients Needed for Sweet and Sour Chicken
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup cornstarch
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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⅓ cup sugar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
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½ cup pineapple juice (optional for extra sweetness)
Optional Additions:
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1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
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1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
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1 cup pineapple chunks
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)
Timing and Servings
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Coat the chicken in cornstarch, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge it in flour mixed with paprika.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
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Bring to a simmer, stirring continuously.
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Mix cornstarch with water and slowly pour it into the sauce, stirring until thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
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If using bell peppers and pineapple, heat a small amount of oil in a pan.
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Sauté the vegetables for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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Add the crispy chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over the top.
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Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
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Serve hot over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken
How to Keep the Chicken Crispy
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Fry the chicken in hot oil to create a crispy texture.
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Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
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Allow the chicken to drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
Best Rice to Serve With This Dish
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Jasmine rice for a slightly fragrant touch.
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Brown rice for a healthier option.
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Fried rice if you want an extra flavor boost.
How to Make the Sauce Thicker
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Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
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Simmer the sauce a bit longer to allow it to reduce.
Variations to Try
1. Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
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Instead of frying, coat the chicken with cornstarch and egg and then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Air Fryer Version
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Spray the coated chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Spicy Version
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Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
4. Gluten-Free Option
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Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 450
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Total Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 110mg
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Sodium: 600mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 50g
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Dietary Fiber: 2g
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Sugars: 18g
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Protein: 28g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Store separately and combine when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze sweet and sour chicken?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze the sauce separately from the fried chicken. Reheat and combine before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
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White or brown rice
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Steamed broccoli
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Stir-fried noodles
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful result.
How can I make this a low-carb dish?
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Replace the sugar with a sugar-free alternative.
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Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
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Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for breading.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a fantastic homemade take on a classic dish. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry the chicken, the result is always a delicious balance of flavors. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.