Looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? Try this homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe, just like your favorite Chinese takeout! Made with simple ingredients, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Click here for the full recipe.

Sweet, Sour, and Savory All in One Bite!

This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe is the perfect addition to your collection of easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients, requiring just a handful of pantry staples to create a delicious and flavorful meal.

Making sweet and sour chicken at home is easier than you may think! You’ll love the balance of sweet and sour flavors with tender chicken, and the best part is that you can customize it to your liking.

Recreate the homemade version of this popular dish at your favorite Chinese restaurants with this easy and tasty recipe. Serve the juicy chicken over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make the best sweet and sour chicken at home.

What is Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that has become a staple in many households. It consists of crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, typically made with vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.

This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a savory depth that makes it irresistible.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken at Home

Be sure to scroll down to get the full printable recipe card with instructions and ingredients.

Ingredients

1lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
salt, pepper
1 cup Corn Starch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup Corn Oil
3/4 cup sugar
4 tbsp ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

In a shallow bowl or large ziploc bag add cornstarch, salt and pepper.

Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite sized pieces and coat them in the cornstarch mixture.

Heat oil over medium-high heat.

Dip the pieces of chicken in an egg wash and then right into a pan of hot oil.

You aren’t actually cooking the chicken through in the pan, but rather just crisping up the chicken by flash frying it until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Make the sweet and sour sauce recipe by combining the sauce ingredients of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a pan and bringing it to a boil.

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.

Transfer the chicken to baking sheet in a single layer.

Let it bake for an hour.

Serve over white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

Use boneless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, for a tender and juicy texture.
It’s important to fry the chicken in small batches to ensure it cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Coat the chicken with cornstarch before frying it to create a crispy exterior.
Use a wok or a large frying pan to ensure that the chicken is evenly cooked.
Customize this dish by adding in your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas, green bell peppers, red belly peppers or onions or fresh pineapple chunks for an extra burst of flavor
Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

Side Dishes for Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here’s what to serve with sweet and sour chicken:

Fried rice: This classic side dish is a perfect match for sweet and sour chicken. The combination of the fluffy brown rice with the tangy and sweet sauce is simply irresistible.
Steamed vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or bok choy is a great way to add some healthy veggies to your meal and balance out the sweetness of the chicken.
Egg rolls: If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, egg rolls are a great option. They’re easy to make and add some extra texture to your meal.
Noodles: Whether you choose lo mein or chow mein, noodles are a great way to round out your meal. They’re easy to make and add some heartiness to your dish.
Stir-fried veggies: For a side dish that’s both healthy and delicious, try stir-fried vegetables. Simply sauté some bell peppers, onions, and carrots in a little oil and seasoning, and you have a colorful and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with sweet and sour chicken.

How to Reheat Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here’s how to reheat sweet and sour chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Place the sweet and sour chicken in an oven-safe dish.

3. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.

4. Bake the chicken in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through.

5. Alternatively, you can reheat the sweet and sour chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s hot. Be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.

Here are some FAQs for homemade sweet and sour chicken:

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can make sweet and sour pork, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, but be careful not to leave it in the pan for too long, as this can make the chicken tough and dry.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. You can also cut up the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze leftover sweet and sour chicken?

Yes, you can freeze leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.

What is the best oil to use for frying the chicken?

The best oil to use for frying the chicken in sweet and sour chicken recipe is one with a high smoke point such as canola oil, peanut oil or vegetable oil.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes