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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Ultimate Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Home Cooks

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Sour Chicken with crispy chicken, fresh pineapples, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Chicken breasts or shrimp can also work well.
  • 2 large Eggs Consider a flax egg for a vegan touch.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Essential for that irresistible crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Flour Try gluten-free flour if needed.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup Tomato sauce can substitute in a pinch.
  • 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar White vinegar is a stronger alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Swap for honey or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Use ground ginger if you're in a jam.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can work fine too.
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Base (Better Than Bouillon) Vegetable broth provides a vegetarian option.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Swap with carrots or broccoli for different textures.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Substitute with yellow or white onions based on availability.
  • 1 cup Pineapple Mango is a delightful substitute for a tropical twist.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper or Cayenne Adjust to your heat preference.
  • 1 cup Additional Veggies Toss in zucchini or snap peas for added nutrition.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Slotted Spoon
  • parchment paper
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, placing them in a bowl. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before coating it in beaten eggs for a flavorful binding agent. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, dice the bell peppers, pineapple, and red onions into 1-inch pieces. Set aside the chopped ingredients in separate bowls, ready for quick assembly.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chicken base to create a luscious sauce. Whisk until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps. Set the sauce aside.
  4. Take about a quarter of the sauce and pour it into a small bowl. Mix in cornstarch until smooth for your slurry. Set this aside for the next step.
  5. Prepare a dredging station by mixing cornstarch and flour in another shallow dish. Coat each marinated chicken piece in the mixture before placing it on a parchment-lined tray.
  6. In a large skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
  7. In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers, pineapple, and red onions. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until tender yet still vibrant.
  8. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Quickly stir in the prepared slurry, cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the fried chicken pieces, allowing them to heat through for another minute.
  9. Plate your Sweet and Sour Chicken alongside steaming jasmine or basmati rice, garnishing with additional vegetables or fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Chicken and sauce can be prepared a day in advance, storing them separately for easy assembly when ready to cook.

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