Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Discover this incredible homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meat recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Visit www.bbrecipes.com for more amazing cooking ideas.

Introduction

Are you craving that perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that makes your taste buds dance with joy? This sweet and sour chicken recipe is exactly what you need to elevate your dinner game. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this homemade sweet and sour chicken will become your go-to meat recipe for impressing family and friends.

What makes this sweet and sour chicken recipe truly special is its perfect harmony of crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that strikes the ideal balance between sweet pineapple notes and tangy vinegar. Unlike takeout versions that can be overly greasy or artificially sweet, this homemade recipe gives you complete control over ingredients and flavor intensity.

This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that signature sweet and sour sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and visually stunning.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large bell pepper (red or green), cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 890mg

This sweet and sour chicken recipe provides excellent protein content while delivering essential carbs for energy. The meat serves as a complete protein source, supporting muscle maintenance and growth.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin this sweet and sour chicken recipe by cutting your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking throughout. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Place cornstarch in a third bowl.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken first in the seasoned flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with cornstarch. This triple-coating method creates the signature crispy texture that makes this meat recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Maintaining proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy chicken without excess grease absorption.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 165°F for food safety.

Step 5: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While chicken cooks, combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup in a medium saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this slurry to the sauce mixture along with minced ginger and garlic.

Step 6: Cook the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Step 7: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan used for frying (drained of excess oil), stir-fry bell peppers and onions over high heat for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add pineapple chunks and cook for another minute.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Return the crispy chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over everything and toss gently to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated with sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and sour chicken recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside vegetable spring rolls or pot stickers as appetizers.

Consider serving this dish family-style in a large serving bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. The colorful presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added visual appeal and flavor.

For a lighter option, serve the sweet and sour chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh Asian slaw. The meat recipe also works wonderfully over crispy chow mein noodles for added texture contrast.

Pro Tips

To achieve restaurant-quality results with this sweet and sour chicken recipe, maintain oil temperature consistently while frying. Use a thermometer to monitor heat levels, as temperature fluctuations can result in greasy or undercooked chicken.

For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces rest for 5 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set properly. Double-frying is another professional technique – fry once at 325°F for 3 minutes, rest for 2 minutes, then fry again at 350°F for 2 minutes.

When preparing the sauce, taste and adjust sweetness or acidity to your preference. Some prefer their sweet and sour chicken recipe more tangy, while others enjoy a sweeter profile. The beauty of homemade cooking is customizing to your taste.

Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. Bell peppers should be crisp-tender, not mushy, to provide textural contrast to the tender meat and smooth sauce.

Variations

Transform this sweet and sour chicken recipe to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meat recipe.

Create a vegetarian variation by replacing chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Press tofu well before coating and frying, or roast cauliflower at 425°F for 20 minutes before adding to the sauce. These alternatives provide different textures while maintaining the signature sweet and sour flavor profile.

For a healthier twist, try baking instead of frying. Coat chicken as directed, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not as crispy as the fried version, this method significantly reduces oil content.

Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, pork, or fish. Adjust cooking times accordingly – shrimp cooks in 2-3 minutes, while pork may need 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sweet and sour chicken recipe ahead of time? While best served immediately, you can prepare components separately. Fry chicken and store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before combining with fresh sauce and vegetables.

What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.

Can I use frozen pineapple? Yes, frozen pineapple works well in this meat recipe. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before adding to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off? Ensure chicken is dry before coating, and let coated pieces rest before frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can cause temperature drops and soggy coating.

Can I make the sauce less sweet? Absolutely! Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and add an extra tablespoon of vinegar. Taste and adjust until you achieve your preferred balance in this sweet and sour chicken recipe.

Conclusion

This homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals are achievable in your own kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that perfect sweet and tangy sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this meat recipe delivers impressive results every time.

The beauty of mastering this sweet and sour chicken recipe lies in its versatility and the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch. Once you’ve perfected the basic technique, you’ll find countless ways to make it your own through different vegetables, proteins, or sauce adjustments.

Ready to transform your dinner routine? Try this incredible sweet and sour chicken recipe tonight and experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest. Don’t forget to share your results and variations – we’d love to hear how you’ve made this recipe your own.

For more amazing meat recipes and cooking inspiration, visit www.bbrecipes.com where you’ll discover countless ways to elevate your home cooking game. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals, we’ve got the recipes that will make you the hero of your kitchen.