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Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the cornstarch-flour mixture until fully coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
  2. Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  3. Add pineapple chunks and bell pepper, simmering for another 2-3 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

 

  1. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat.
  2. 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

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