Best Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Crispy battered chicken pieces are tossed in a vibrant tangy-sweet sauce made with vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. This beloved family favorite pairs perfectly with steamed rice and brings comforting flavors the whole table will enjoy.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb
  • cornstarch 0.5 cup
  • all-purpose flour 0.25 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • vegetable oil 0.5 cup
  • bell pepper (red or green) 1 piece
  • pineapple chunks 0.75 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ketchup 0.25 cup
  • white vinegar 0.25 cup
  • sugar 0.33 cup
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 47%
Protein 20 g 22%
Fat 13 g 31%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season chicken with salt and black pepper for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Beat eggs in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour thoroughly. Dredge chicken in egg, then coat evenly with the cornstarch-flour mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy (6–8 minutes). Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

  4. 4

    Prep the bell pepper by removing seeds and chopping into 1-inch pieces. Drain pineapple chunks. In a clean skillet, stir-fry bell pepper and pineapple over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until bell pepper softens slightly.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, mix ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until smooth. Pour sauce into the skillet with vegetables and bring to a simmer. Stir for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

  6. 6

    Return fried chicken to the skillet and toss quickly, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce. Heat for 1–2 additional minutes on low to meld flavors. Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe?
The core ingredient is boneless skinless chicken breast, which provides a tender bite after battering and frying. This protein forms the foundation of the dish, complemented by crisp vegetables and sweet pineapple in the vibrant sauce.
Q. Which component gives Sweet and Sour Chicken its signature tangy-sweet flavor?
The sauce made with a balance of ketchup, white vinegar, and sugar delivers the classic sweet and tangy flavor that defines this dish. Soy sauce is also added for depth and savory notes.
Q. How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy even after tossing in sauce?
For crispy chicken, fry pieces at medium-high heat (not too low, to avoid oil absorption, and not too high, to prevent burning) and coat them evenly with the batter. Add the fried chicken to the sauce only at the end—toss quickly and serve immediately to maintain the crispiness.
Q. What’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this Sweet and Sour Chicken?
Each serving (220g) contains approximately 370 kcal: 44g carbohydrates (47% of calories), 20g protein (22%), and 13g fat (31%). This balance provides a hearty protein source with moderate carbs and fat.
Q. Is Sweet and Sour Chicken high in protein?
Yes, each serving supplies 20g of protein, making it a solid high-protein option, especially compared to similar sweet-sauced dishes with minimal meat.
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