Description
This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken tossed in a tangy, homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a healthier, tastier alternative to takeout!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the cornstarch-flour mixture until fully coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Add pineapple chunks and bell pepper, simmering for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Baked Version – Bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Healthier Alternative – Air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Extra Crunch – Double-coat the chicken for an even crispier texture.
- Spicy Twist – Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute tofu or cauliflower for chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: chinese-american
Keywords: Sweet and sour chicken, crispy chicken, homemade takeout, easy dinner recipe, Chinese-inspired chicken