Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs (beaten); 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 1 small onion (chopped); 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Bursting with color, bursting with flavor, Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ultimate takeout-inspired comfort meal that you can make right in your own kitchen! Imagine juicy, golden chicken pieces tossed in the most vibrant, glossy sauce, with pops of bell peppers and pineapple dancing through each bite. This homemade version has everything I crave—those crispy edges, the tangy-sweet glaze, and that irresistibly tender bite—all coming together in under an hour. If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a celebration any night of the week, Sweet and Sour Chicken is absolutely it.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a Sweet and Sour Chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant. Every ingredient here plays a starring role; from crispy chicken to that signature zingy sauce, nothing is wasted and everything contributes to the magic of the dish.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and perfectly juicy bites.
Cornstarch: This forms a light, crispy coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
Eggs: The eggs bind the coating and help create that classic golden crust.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a crispy, delicious finish without adding extra flavor.
Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness and a pop of color that’s iconic in Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Green bell pepper: Balances the sweetness with its fresh, slightly bitter note.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness once cooked.
Pineapple chunks: Juicy bursts of tropical flavor that make every bite exciting and authentic.
Sugar (for sauce): Essential for the signature sweetness in the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar (for sauce): Provides the tangy backbone and bright acidity that makes this dish pop.
Ketchup (for sauce): Delivers color, tang, and just enough tomato flavor for balance.
Soy sauce (for sauce): Adds umami and a savory depth.
Garlic powder (for sauce): An easy way to infuse the sauce with a burst of garlic flavor.
Cornstarch slurry (for sauce): Thickens the sauce to that gorgeous, glossy consistency we all love.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about one inch each) for quick, even cooking. Set up a simple dredging station: coat each chicken piece in cornstarch, shake off the excess, and then dip it in the beaten eggs. This double-coat is the secret to that dreamy, crispy outside and moist, tender inside we crave in Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Sear until golden brown on all sides, about two to three minutes per batch. The goal here is not to cook through, but to lock in moisture and get that lightly crunchy shell.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

After browning, transfer the chicken pieces to a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is where the magic starts coming together—baking ensures the chicken stays juicy and soaks up every bit of flavor from the sauce that’s about to join the party.

Step 4: Make the Iconic Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Stir in your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a splash of water), and cook for about two minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, vibrant glaze. This sauce is at the heart of Sweet and Sour Chicken: tangy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Scatter your chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, and juicy pineapple chunks over the browned chicken in the baking dish. Pour the hot, freshly made sauce all over, and toss everything together so each piece is beautifully coated. The combination of veggies and pineapple provides crunch, sweetness, and a gorgeous medley of color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure the sauce and veggies evenly mingle with the chicken. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce bubbles, everything is coated in glossy goodness, and your kitchen smells absolutely divine.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken

Garnishes

For a dish this vibrant, garnishes should add a fresh, lively finish. Sprinkle with sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds just before serving. Not only do these add visual pizzazz, but that gentle crunch and touch of sharpness from the onions makes every bite of Sweet and Sour Chicken pop.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a big scoop of steamed jasmine rice; it soaks up that addictive sauce and keeps things cozy. Noodles are equally great—try a bed of thin lo mein or even simple egg noodles for something extra slurpable. If you want to keep it light, add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to bring a fresh, green crunch that balances all those bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family-style meals, tuck the Sweet and Sour Chicken into lettuce cups for a clever, crisp twist. Serving over mini fried rice cakes makes it feel festive and special, or try serving everything inside hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical, showstopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to three days—the flavors even mellow and deepen, making next-day lunches an absolute treat.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Sweet and Sour Chicken holds up well for about two months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, and give it a gentle stir after reheating to bring that saucy magic right back.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. The microwave works in a pinch; just use medium power and cover loosely to prevent drying out. Whether reheated in a pan or microwave, the sauce returns to its glossy glory and the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are rich and juicy, making for even more flavorful Sweet and Sour Chicken. Just trim any extra fat before cutting into pieces, and follow the recipe steps as written.

Is it possible to make Sweet and Sour Chicken entirely on the stovetop?

Yes! If you’re in a hurry or simply love stovetop meals, just simmer everything together in a deep skillet after browning the chicken. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is nicely thickened.

Can Sweet and Sour Chicken be made gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check that your ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll still get all the delicious flavor.

How do I adjust the sweetness or tang in the sauce?

Customize the sauce to your taste! Add a little more sugar for extra sweetness, or increase the vinegar for more tang. Taste after thickening and adjust as needed before baking; this is an easy way to make Sweet and Sour Chicken perfect for your palate.

Can I add extra veggies to Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Definitely! Sliced carrots, snap peas, broccoli florets, or even zucchini work beautifully. Add them with the bell peppers so everything bakes evenly and soaks up that luscious sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing that classic takeout magic home, Sweet and Sour Chicken is the recipe to try next. Every bite is crisp, tangy, and truly comforting. Give it a go—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends and family will be asking for it again and again!

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe that is better than takeout! Tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, baked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 small onion (chopped)
1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Coat and Brown Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs. Brown in oil in a skillet.
Make the Sauce: Combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Assemble and Bake: Place chicken in a baking dish, pour sauce over it. Add vegetables and pineapple. Bake for 30-35 minutes.