This sweet and sour chicken is full of crispy chicken, fresh pineapple and bell peppers, all tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. A classic Chinese food dish that tastes even better than the take out version.
Sweet and sour chicken is a super popular dish, because that combination of crunchy chicken, sweet juicy pineapple and crisp peppers just cannot be beat. I make this dish at home at least once a month to get my Chinese food cravings satisfied, and my kids love it too. Serve it with fried rice or cucumber salad for a complete meal!
There are always those classic dishes that seem to live on through the years because they’re just that good. Sweet and sour chicken is one of those recipes for me and I had to share my version that’s just as good as any restaurant. An easy and pleasing dish for the entire family.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN?
The first step is to fry up your chicken. The chicken breast pieces are coated in a mixture of egg and cornstarch to get that ultra crispy coating.
I used chicken thighs here, but cubed chicken breast will also work. Make sure you use a thermometer to check the temperature of your oil before you start frying, 350-375 degrees F is ideal.
You can use fresh or canned pineapple, whichever you prefer. Looking for a healthier sweet and sour chicken? Skip the breading and deep frying and simply saute the chicken in a little vegetable oil. 
WHY IS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE OIL IMPORTANT WHEN FRYING?
You want to make sure your oil is the right temperature, because if the oil is too hot, the outside may be done before the inside is cooked through. If the oil is too cold, the food will need to spend longer in the oil until it’s cooked through which means more oil will be absorbed into the food.
CAN OTHER VEGETABLES BE USED IN SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN?
I love adding vegetables to my sweet and sour chicken. Traditional sweet and sour chicken contains onions, bell peppers and pineapple. You could also try adding sliced carrots or even mushrooms into the mix!
I always get so excited making sweet and sour chicken because it’s one of my all time favorites. This dish is on our dinner rotation quite often and there are never any complaints. It’s an easy dish so it’s never a hard to make on a weeknight!
MORE ASIAN RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Pepper Steak Stir Fry
- Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
- Pineapple Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken Video
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- oil for frying
- 1/2 cup onion cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a bowl, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the flour and cornstarch together and place in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then roll into the flour mixture. Repeat with all of the chicken.
- Fry 7-8 pieces of chicken at a time for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Repeat the process with all of the chicken.
- While the chicken is cooking, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Stir in the pineapple.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the peppers, onions and pineapple and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
- Add the fried chicken to the pan with the peppers and pineapple and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Kathy says
I Made this tonight for dinner and WOW, my husband raved about it! Absolutely a big hit! It is a little time consuming so if you want a quick dinner this takes time. I would suggest you cut your chicken and vegetables the night before and put in separate air tight containers. Very much WORTH your time to try this recipe, it will not disappoint! Thank you for sharing your recipe, it’s a keeper!
Pete Preston says
We tried this last week and it was absolutely delicious, we added some green beans and broccoli that I blanched first, making it again tonight,
MARY T Fisher says
Excellent recipe! I put in a little Sesame oil in the frying oil and used the drained pineapple juice in the sauce. Had it two nights in a row for dinner! Was very taken with its tastiness and really filled me up! Will be making again!
Tamara says
Totally loved this recipe! Sorted out my cravings instantly! Thank you
Beth says
Yummy! This looks so delicious and tasty! My hubby and the kids are going to love this recipe! So excited!
Jessica Formicola says
This is my favorite takeout dish, so I’m excited to have found a recipe to make it at home! Thanks so much for sharing!
Mahy says
My favorite type of of chicken. That sweet and sour mix of flavors never disappoints and is my go-to when I want to make something fail-proof!
kerri says
Any time I can get a great flavorful meal in front of my family quickly, is a huge win! It’s so delicious!
Irina says
I actually found your recipe first on your Facebook page and was so intrigued to learn more that I ended up here. I printed out the recipe and made it for lunch. OMG!!! It is amazingly delicious!
shannon says
Could I sub pineapple juice for some of the sugar?
Sara says
I think it’s possible but you may need to add more corn starch so that the sauce still thickens.
Sadaf says
Absolutely delicious recipe!! I’ll definitely make it again! 😋
Denise says
This was an A #1 recipe. I’m putting it in my family book of recipes that I’ve found to be easy and the best tasting. This is a keeper.
CHRISTINA ZIMMER says
Very Good! Thank you for sharing!
Michelle says
This was wonderful! Thank you for sharing, my family really enjoyed it. Love you site!
Gabs says
Hi, just wondering what kind of sugar? Brown sugar/granulated sugar?
Thanks ☺
Sara says
Granulated sugar!
Lucy Maichen says
t turn out so good!!! and it looked good too.. Thanks for sharing .. I will be trying more of your recipes.. I was a great. our friends loved it too..
Kathy says
Oh my this is absolutely delicious, will make again.Thanks for sharing.
Julie says
Can i “fry” the chicken in an air fryer with this coating?
Sara says
I haven’t tried it but I think it could work!
Emily says
You will have to spray the chicken pieces with some oil, or they likely will come out “flour-y.”
Kim Weeks says
Made this today and it is absolutely delicious!.. Going to try shrimp next time. I did add thinly sliced carrot and followed anothers suggestion to thicken the pineapple juice with a little cornstarch and drizzle it over the dish. Can;t thank you enough for the recipe. Just a fantastic dish.