Sweet & Sour Chicken nails that perfect balance of crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and glossy sauce. The chicken stays crunchy beneath the vibrant sauce, while fresh bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks add a pop of color and flavor. This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy enough for weeknights yet feels special. It comes together fast, making it a great choice when you want a crowd-pleasing meal without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers that nostalgic sweet and sour flavor that many crave. The sauce has just the right mix of tang from vinegar, sweetness from brown sugar and pineapple, and savory notes from soy sauce. You get a crunchy exterior on the chicken that holds up well under the sauce, plus fresh vegetables that add texture and brightness. The recipe is simple, approachable, and perfect over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Season chicken chunks with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece with cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, then dredge in flour.
2. Fry the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. Make the sauce
Combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thick and glossy, about 2 minutes.
4. Combine and serve
Add bell peppers and pineapple to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ tbsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
Instructions
- Season, coat with cornstarch, egg, and flour.
- Cook in hot oil 4–5 minutes until golden.
- Simmer ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce; thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Toss chicken, peppers, pineapple in sauce; serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
- Add sliced onions or snap peas for more crunch.
- Use apple cider vinegar if rice vinegar isn’t available.
- Boost spice with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Air fry chicken at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes for less oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the sauce. Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra greens. For a fun presentation, try serving inside hollowed pineapple halves.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe perfectly balances crispy chicken with tangy, sweet sauce and fresh veggies. It’s a great weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests. Once you make this at home, the takeout version won’t have the same appeal.
