Sweet and Sour Chicken is a takeout classic you can easily make at home! Crispy golden chicken bites are tossed in a glossy sauce that’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Add in colorful peppers and juicy pineapple for a dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better Than Takeout – Crispy chicken with fresh veggies and real pineapple.
- Simple Ingredients – Everything can be found at your local grocery store.
- Family Favorite – Sweet, tangy, and kid-approved.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup flour
- Oil, for frying
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Stir-In:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip into beaten egg, then coat with cornstarch.
- Fry Until Crispy – Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce – In a saucepan, whisk ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine Everything – In a large skillet or wok, add peppers and pineapple. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add chicken and pour in the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.
- Serve & Enjoy – Serve hot over steamed white rice or fried rice.
Tips & Variations
- Baked Version – Skip frying and bake chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes for a lighter option.
- Veggie Boost – Add onions, carrots, or snap peas for more crunch.
- Extra Heat – Stir in chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for spicy sweet and sour chicken.
- Meal Prep – Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days—reheats beautifully.
What to Serve With Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice 🍚
- Classic Egg Fried Rice 🍳
- Garlic Green Beans 🥢
- Crispy Spring Rolls 🥟
✨ This Sweet and Sour Chicken is crispy, saucy, and every bite bursts with flavor. Skip the takeout and enjoy this homemade version any night of the week!