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Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a takeout favorite that’s easy to make at home. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, golden chicken coated in a glossy, tangy sauce that brings just the right mix of sweetness and acidity. Whether you’re craving the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant or just want a quick and delicious meal, this dish is a great option.

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The beauty of homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken is that you can control everything—from the crispiness of the chicken to the balance of flavors in the sauce. Plus, it’s a meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The sauce is made with pantry staples, so you won’t need to hunt down any fancy ingredients.

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even stir-fried vegetables, giving you endless ways to enjoy it. Let’s break down how to make the best Sweet and Sour Chicken from scratch.


What Makes This Sweet and Sour Chicken So Good?

Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken beats takeout for a few key reasons:

  • Crispier, Fresher Chicken – Instead of soggy takeout, the homemade version gives you golden, crispy pieces with just the right crunch.
  • Balanced Sauce – Store-bought sweet and sour sauces can be overly sweet or too tangy. Making it at home means you control the flavor.
  • Customizable – Want more veggies? Less sugar? No problem! You can adjust this recipe to fit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Get Started

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to bring this dish together. Here are the key players:

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best. Thighs stay juicier, while breasts give a leaner option.
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce: A mix of vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce creates that classic tangy-sweet balance.
  • Cornstarch Coating: A light coating of cornstarch gives the chicken that crispy texture without being heavy or greasy.
  • Bell Peppers & Pineapple: These add fresh sweetness and a little crunch to balance the sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet and Sour Chicken

  1. Prep the Chicken
    Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and coat them lightly with cornstarch. This helps lock in moisture while creating a crispy, golden exterior.
  2. Fry Until Golden
    Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until crispy and cooked through. Set them aside while you make the sauce.
  3. Make the Sauce
    In the same pan, sauté bell peppers for a few minutes. Then, whisk together vinegar, ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and a splash of pineapple juice. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Toss Everything Together
    Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
  5. Serve and Enjoy
    Spoon the Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of warm rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if you’d like.

Different Ways to Customize This Dish

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to make this recipe fit your taste:

  • Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give it some heat.
  • Swap the Protein: You can use shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different twist.
  • More Vegetables: Toss in snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra crunch and color.
  • Lighter Version: Skip the frying and sauté the chicken instead for a healthier option.

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What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken

This dish pairs well with simple sides that complement the bold flavors. Here are a few ideas:

  • Steamed White or Fried Rice – The perfect base to soak up all that sauce.
  • Garlic Green Beans – A fresh, garlicky contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
  • Egg Rolls or Dumplings – Serve with a side of crispy egg rolls for an extra takeout-style meal.
  • Cold Cucumber Salad – A refreshing and light side that balances the richness of the chicken.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep this ahead? No problem!

  • Make the Sauce Ahead of Time – The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat the Chicken Properly – If reheating leftovers, use an air fryer or oven to keep the chicken crispy instead of microwaving it.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated in a deliciously tangy sauce. This homemade version is even better than takeout and comes together in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet For frying the chicken and making the sauce

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch for coating the chicken
  • 1 cup bell peppers cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup vinegar white or rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with cornstarch.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pan, cook bell peppers and pineapple for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk together vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar. Pour into the pan and let simmer.
  • Add the chicken back to the pan and toss until coated. Serve immediately.
Keyword Chinese takeout, crispy chicken, sweet and sour chicken
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