Sweet and sour chicken pairs crisp, golden bites of chicken with a glossy ketchup and rice vinegar sauce. The chicken is coated in corn starch, egg and flour, fried in batches, then tossed with the sauce and optional peppers, onion and pineapple. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavourful dish:

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup of corn starch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1/2 cup of ketchup
1/2 cup of rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/3 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of corn starch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (slurry)

For the Vegetables (Optional):

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup of pineapple chunks

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Coat the chicken in corn starch, dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat in all-purpose flour.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Add the corn starch slurry to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables (Optional)

In the same skillet or wok, sauté the diced bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Add the fried chicken pieces and toss to combine.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavour and presentation.

Tips for Making the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken

Use fresh ingredients for the sauce and vegetables for maximum flavour.
Double-fry the chicken for extra crispiness if desired.
Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying.

If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your favourite twists on this classic dish. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes. Baking gives you a lighter version, though fried pieces stay crispier. If you do fry, double-frying the chicken adds extra crunch.

How do I thicken the sweet and sour sauce?

Stir a slurry of 1 tablespoon corn starch and 2 tablespoons water into the heated sauce and keep stirring until it thickens, then take it off the heat.

What goes well with sweet and sour chicken?

Steamed rice or noodles are the easy choice. Finish the plate with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe