A plate of homemade sweet and sour chicken garnished with vegetables.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that hits all the right notes. It combines crispy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce that brings everything together. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to make at home. With its bright flavors and appealing colors, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic takeout dish without leaving your home!

how to make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups water, divided
  • 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 drops orange food color
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 ¼ cups self-rising flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of water, reserved pineapple juice, sugar, vinegar, and orange food coloring. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and then set it aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup cornstarch and ¼ cup water until smooth. Pour this into the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, the egg, salt, and white pepper. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of water to create a thick batter.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the batter, stirring until they are well coated.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or wok to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C).
  6. Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil until they are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
  7. On a platter, layer green peppers, pineapple chunks, and the cooked chicken pieces. Pour the hot sweet and sour sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

how to serve Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken can be served over steamed rice or with fried rice. This dish looks great on a family-style platter, topped with the freshly made sauce. You can also serve it with some extra vegetables on the side for a colorful and wholesome meal.

how to store Sweet and Sour Chicken

If you have leftovers, store Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2–3 days. When you are ready to reheat, do so on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Note that the chicken might lose some of its crispiness when reheated.

tips to make Sweet and Sour Chicken

  • To make the chicken even crispier, you can double-fry it. Fry the chicken pieces once until they are golden, let them rest for a few minutes, then fry again until crispy.
  • If you want to add more color and nutrition, consider including other vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
  • Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy chicken.

variation (if any)

You can easily adapt this recipe by using shrimp or tofu in place of chicken for a different protein. Also, if you prefer a mild version, you can use less vinegar and sugar to balance the flavors according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?
This dish goes well with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). You can cut a piece open to ensure there is no pink inside.