Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors that satisfy every craving, and this sweet and sour chicken recipe delivers a delightful punch of taste.

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce bring restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each bite combines the perfect balance of zesty and sugary notes that dance across your palate.

The golden-brown chicken emerges from the skillet with a glossy, irresistible coating that beckons you closer.

Tender meat mingles with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks, creating a colorful plate that promises deliciousness.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and let this recipe become your new dinnertime superhero.

Sweet and Sour Chicken: What Makes It So Addictive

• This sweet and sour chicken delivers a mouthwatering taste sensation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• The recipe teaches a simple yet impressive method of coating chicken that creates a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly juicy and tender.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Using basic pantry staples like vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated or expensive ingredients.

Sweet and Sour Chicken: Complete Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this sweet and sour dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior layer for the chicken.
• Eggs: Helps the cornstarch coating adhere to the chicken pieces.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create caramelization.
• Ketchup: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet base to the sauce.
• White Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar: Contribute to the signature sour flavor of the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces a savory and umami element to the sauce.
• Garlic Salt: Adds depth of flavor and seasoning.

• Canola Oil: Used for browning the chicken and creating a golden exterior.

Tools and Gadgets for Sweet and Sour Chicken Night

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning chicken evenly and getting that golden color.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining sauce ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Baking Dish: Helps cook chicken in the oven and allows sauce to caramelize perfectly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and moving chicken pieces without mess.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing and seasoning chicken.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients quickly and without lumps.

Cooking Up Sweet and Sour Chicken: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325°F (163°C).

This gentle heat will help transform your chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 2: Dress the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken pieces.

Create a crispy coating by rolling each piece in cornstarch, then giving it a quick dip in beaten eggs.

This technique will give your chicken a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Golden Brown the Chicken

Grab a large skillet and pour in canola oil.

Crank up the heat to medium-high and let the magic begin.

Sizzle the chicken pieces until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on all sides.

Transfer these beauties to a baking dish, ready for their saucy adventure.

Step 4: Whip Up the Tangy Sauce

• Sugar
• Ketchup
• White vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Garlic salt

Stir these ingredients until they become best friends, creating a sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the tangy sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.

Slide the dish into the oven and let it work its magic.

Every 15 minutes, give the chicken a gentle stir to ensure it’s bathing evenly in the delicious sauce.

After 60 minutes, you’ll have a dish where the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze and the chicken is tender enough to fall apart with a fork.

Smart Tips for Extra Flavor in Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Shake off excess cornstarch before dipping chicken in eggs to create a lighter, crispier exterior that prevents soggy breading.
• Combine white and apple cider vinegars for a more complex, balanced sweet and sour flavor profile that elevates the sauce.
• Consistently turn chicken every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even sauce coverage and prevent burning or dry spots.
• Maintain a low oven temperature to allow sauce to slowly caramelize and chicken to become incredibly tender without drying out.
• If sauce seems too thin, let it continue reducing in the oven or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken quickly.

Fun Variations for Sweet and Sour Chicken Lovers

• Low-Carb Chicken Swap: Replace cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the crispy exterior while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs.
• Spicy Kick Remix: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for those craving extra heat, creating a zesty flavor profile that elevates the classic sweet and sour chicken.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, following the same breading and baking technique for a plant-based version of the dish.

Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken with the Best Sides

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this sweet and sour chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The fluffy grains will perfectly complement the tangy and rich chicken flavors.
• Veggie Harmony Plate: Add roasted broccoli or stir-fried bell peppers on the side for a colorful and nutritious meal. The crisp vegetables will provide a fresh contrast to the savory chicken.
• Crispy Companion: Serve with crispy egg rolls or crunchy wontons to add an extra textural element to your dining experience. These side items will enhance the overall meal and provide a delightful crunch.
• Family-Style Spread: Create a communal dining experience by placing the chicken in a large central dish with rice and vegetables around it. This presentation encourages sharing and creates a warm, inviting mealtime atmosphere.

Storing Sweet and Sour Chicken for Leftover Magic

• Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or turkey. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and use cornstarch as directed in the recipe.

• How spicy is this sweet and sour chicken?

The recipe is not spicy at all. It has a balanced sweet and tangy flavor from the vinegars and ketchup, making it mild and kid-friendly.

• Do I need a special type of vinegar for this recipe?

No, the recipe uses white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, which are common pantry ingredients found in most grocery stores.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade sweet and sour chicken brings classic Chinese-American flavors to your dinner table. Crispy battered chicken pieces glazed in tangy sauce offer a delightful meal you’ll savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) canola oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325°F (163°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper, creating a foundational flavor profile. Delicately coat each piece in cornstarch, then immerse in beaten eggs for a crisp, golden exterior.
3. Warm canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until each side develops a rich, golden-brown color, which will help seal in moisture and enhance overall taste.
4. Create the signature sauce by whisking together sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic salt in a mixing bowl. The combination will deliver a complex sweet and tangy flavor.
5. Transfer browned chicken to a baking dish and generously pour the prepared sauce over the pieces, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Gently stir the chicken every 15 minutes to distribute the sauce evenly and prevent burning. Bake for approximately 60 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and thickens, and the chicken becomes exceptionally tender.

Notes

• Make chicken extra crispy by double-coating with cornstarch and letting it sit for 10 minutes before frying to create a crunchier exterior.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce sugar content for a healthier version that still maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and richer taste during baking process.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 94 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg