Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (for sauce); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; Heaping teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2/3 cup water; 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying; 1 pound chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

It delivers crispy, golden chicken coated in a bold, flavorful sauce.

The homemade sauce is perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.

You can customize the vegetables or spice level to your taste.

It’s a great alternative to takeout and comes together in about an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pineapple juice
Distilled white vinegar
Sugar
Ketchup
Soy sauce
Crushed red pepper flakes
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Black pepper
Water
Vegetable oil
Chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetable oil
Red bell peppers
Red onion

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water, then whisk into the sauce. Cook for another minute until thick and glossy. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Add water and vegetable oil, whisking until smooth.

Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated in the batter.

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F.

Working in batches, carefully add the battered chicken to the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

In a clean skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Reheat the sauce until hot. Add the fried chicken to the vegetables, then pour the sauce over and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

For a healthier version, bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying.

Add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and texture.

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.

Swap red bell peppers for green or yellow for a different flavor profile.

Add carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for more vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

For best texture, store the sauce separately if possible and combine when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead, but fry the chicken just before serving for the best crispiness.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Serve the sauce on the side or add it just before serving to prevent the coating from getting soggy.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking or air frying is a lighter option, though the texture will be slightly different.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

Can I freeze sweet and sour chicken?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for better texture when reheated.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce gives a fresher and more balanced flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes, shrimp, tofu, or pork are great alternatives.

Conclusion

Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a bold, tangy sauce and fresh vegetables. With its satisfying textures and vibrant flavors, this homemade version is a delicious and versatile meal that easily rivals your favorite takeout.