Sweet and sour chicken is a colorful, tasty dish that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. It’s made with crispy chicken pieces, fresh bell peppers, and a bright sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. You only need a few simple ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and ketchup to make the sauce.
This meal is great for both kids and adults, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes. You can enjoy it with rice, noodles, or even in a wrap. It’s just like takeout but healthier and made at home with love.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because the balance of sweet and sour flavors is just right. The sugar and vinegar blend together with ketchup to make a tangy, sticky sauce that coats the crispy chicken perfectly. The cornstarch gives the chicken a light crunch without deep frying, and the bell peppers add freshness and color. Everything comes together in one pan, making it simple and quick.
Another reason this recipe is a winner is because it’s flexible. You can add pineapple for extra sweetness or use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are simple to follow. Whether it’s a family dinner or a quick lunch, this dish always turns out delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast – Lean and tender meat that cooks quickly. You can use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Bell Peppers – Add color and crunch. Use red, green, or yellow peppers or swap with pineapple chunks.
Vinegar – Gives the sour flavor. White vinegar or rice vinegar both work well.
Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the sour. You can use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Ketchup – Adds tanginess and color to the sauce. Tomato paste with a little sugar can be used as a substitute.
Tips
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Coat chicken in cornstarch before frying for a crispier texture.
- Stir the sauce well to avoid lumps.
- Add fresh pineapple for extra sweetness and juiciness.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
How to Serve
Sweet and sour chicken is a tasty, colorful dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike. The crispy chicken and flavorful sauce make it perfect for any meal. It goes great with a variety of sides and can be served in different ways based on what you enjoy.
- With Rice – Serve over steamed white or fried rice to soak up the sauce.
- With Noodles – Pair with stir-fried noodles or lo mein for a full meal.
- As a Wrap – Add to lettuce wraps or tortillas for a fun, handheld option.
Similar Recipes
Sweet And Sour Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup pineapple chunks optional
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic, then add bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Pour into the pan.
- Add cooked chicken and pineapple chunks (if using). Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Nutrition
Notes
• Coat chicken in cornstarch before frying for a crispier texture.
• Stir the sauce well to avoid lumps.
• Add fresh pineapple for extra sweetness and juiciness.
• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
It’s just like takeout but healthier and made at home with love.