Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet, tangy sauce. This homemade version is better than takeout, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Better Than Takeout: Skip the restaurant and make a fresh, homemade version that is just as delicious, if not better.
- Crispy Yet Tender: The cornstarch and egg coating create a crispy crust, while baking ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy inside.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce creates the perfect sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken
To make this delicious sweet and sour chicken, you will need:
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Salt and pepper – To season the chicken.
- 1 cup cornstarch – Helps create a crispy coating.
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten – Used to coat the chicken after the cornstarch.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – For browning the chicken.
- 1 cup sugar – Adds sweetness to the sauce.
- 6 tablespoons ketchup – Gives the sauce a rich tomato flavor.
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar – Adds tanginess and enhances the sweet and sour balance.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce – Brings in umami depth.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder – Infuses the sauce with extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF (163ºC).
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Coat and Brown the Chicken
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch, ensuring a light coating, then dip into the egg mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, brown the coated chicken on all sides. The goal is to create a crispy exterior; the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Transfer the browned chicken pieces to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Stir the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and caramelization.
- Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot over prepared rice.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Use fresh chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Coat evenly: Make sure to evenly coat the chicken in cornstarch and egg to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, work in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Stir during baking: Stirring the chicken every 15 minutes ensures that every piece is well-coated with sauce and evenly cooked.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess: If you prefer a more tangy dish, add a bit more vinegar. If you like it sweeter, increase the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet and sour chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed White or Jasmine Rice: The perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: For a more flavorful side, try serving it with homemade fried rice.
- Lo Mein Noodles: Toss cooked noodles with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for a delicious side.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas complement the dish perfectly.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Add a crunchy side for a complete Chinese takeout-style meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing
- Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the chicken, stirring until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Oven: Bake at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can You Freeze Sweet and Sour Chicken?
Yes! This dish freezes well:
- To Freeze: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using one of the methods above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to the dish. Follow the same instructions.
2. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Add bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks, or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
4. What’s the Best Vinegar to Use?
Apple cider vinegar works best, but white vinegar can be used as a substitute.
5. Can I Make This Dish in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken as directed, then place it in a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Final Thoughts
This homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish at home. Crispy, flavorful, and coated in a mouthwatering sweet and tangy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with your family. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen!
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🍽️ Better Than Takeout: Sweet & Sour Chicken!
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 Minutes
Description
Some recipes just become family favorites, and this Sweet & Sour Chicken is one of them! The crispy, golden chicken coated in a sticky, tangy sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s so good, you might never order takeout again! Give it a try and make it a part of your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp ketchup
- ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1️⃣ Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Preheat oven to 325ºF.
3️⃣ Coat chicken in cornstarch, dip in eggs, then brown in hot oil.
4️⃣ Transfer browned chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5️⃣ Mix sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken.
6️⃣ Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
7️⃣ Serve over rice and enjoy! 🍚✨
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 528