If you’ve ever craved that irresistible tangy yet sweet flavor that makes your taste buds dance, this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy, golden chicken pieces smothered in a vibrant, glossy sauce bursting with pineapple, bell peppers, and just the right touch of vinegar. It’s the kind of dish that feels like your favorite takeout but comes together in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special meal, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate in the center with small pieces of raw chicken arranged neatly in one layer. Around the plate, there are several small clear bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients: a bowl of white rice at the top right, a bowl of chopped red tomatoes on the right, a bowl of chopped green celery or similar vegetable above the plate, and a bowl of yellow pineapple chunks to the left of the green vegetable bowl. There are also small containers with various sauces and liquids, including a dark red sauce bottle on the far left, a can of coconut milk behind the pineapple bowl, a small bowl of some brownish orange liquid on the left side near the front, and a small bowl of a thick orange sauce near the front. Additionally, there is a red onion, several pieces of ginger, two cloves of garlic, and some red chili flakes scattered near the bottom right corner. Everything is set on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully to create a balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a special part in delivering that classic taste you love, from the crispy chicken bites to the tangy, fruity sauce.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy bites that crisp up perfectly.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken without overpowering.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
½ cup cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
2 eggs, beaten: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken for an even crust.
Vegetable oil, for frying: A neutral oil that fries the chicken to golden perfection.
1 bell pepper, chopped: Offers a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned): Brings in natural sweetness and a tropical punch.
½ cup onion, chopped: Adds a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness.
½ cup pineapple juice: Intensifies the fruity flavor in the sauce.
⅓ cup rice vinegar: The key tangy ingredient that gives the sauce its signature zip.
⅓ cup ketchup: Brings color and a subtle depth of sweetness.
¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps thicken it as it cooks.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and boosts the savory notes.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious glaze.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces so each one crisps up nicely. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt and black pepper, making sure every piece is seasoned well. This step sets the foundation for flavor before the coating process.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Next, dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch. This coating helps create that coveted crunch. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs which act like glue so the cornstarch stays put when frying. This simple two-step coating method is your ticket to perfectly crispy chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, so they cook evenly without overcrowding, for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping that crisp texture intact.

Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the chicken fries, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a separate saucepan. Cooking this mixture over medium heat will transform it into a thick, glossy sauce in about 3 to 4 minutes. The combination of tangy and sweet will instantly brighten your kitchen.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Once the sauce is thickened, stir in chopped bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks. Let them simmer for 2 to 3 minutes just enough to soften without losing their distinct textures, adding color, flavor, and a refreshing freshness to the dish.

Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Add the crispy fried chicken to the sauce and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated. This final touch combines the crunch with the sticky sweet and sour glaze that will leave you craving more.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds makes a beautiful finish and adds subtle contrasting flavors and textures. They also make the dish feel even more special and restaurant-quality right at your own table.

Side Dishes

Serve this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe over steaming hot jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with simple stir-fried vegetables or a light crunchy Asian slaw to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the finished dish into crispy lettuce cups for a refreshing bite, or use it as a filling for soft steamed bao buns. Another idea is to serve it alongside fried rice or noodles to transform it into a heartier meal perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together helps maintain the flavor and texture, but keep in mind the coating may soften slightly after refrigeration.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately to preserve their best qualities. Freeze chicken pieces on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag, and freeze sauce in a zip-top bag or container. Both freeze well for about 1 to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve as much crispiness as possible. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the chicken from becoming soggy. Add a small splash of water or oil if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! For a lighter version of the Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe, bake the coated chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy as frying but still delicious and healthier.

What type of vinegar is best for this sauce?

Rice vinegar is the best choice because it has a mild acidity and subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients without overpowering the sauce.

Can I use frozen vegetables in the recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bell peppers and onions work fine; just thaw and drain them well before adding to the sauce to avoid excess water diluting the flavors.

How spicy is this dish?

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is mild and sweet with tangy notes but not spicy. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Is it okay to use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks work great and make this recipe even more convenient. Just be sure to use pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup to control the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your favorite takeout, made even better because you created it yourself. It balances crispy chicken with a luscious, tangy sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavors and vivid colors. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own – it’s perfect for any night you want something satisfying and simple to whip up in no time!