Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the magic of takeout at home, then Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly golden chicken bites—shatteringly crisp on the outside, unbelievably juicy inside—tossed with tangy pineapple, colorful peppers, and a glossy, addictive sauce that hits every sweet and sour note. This is the dish that brings people together, whether it’s a celebratory dinner or a midweek pick-me-up. Once you make Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken from scratch, you’ll realize just how irresistible (and fun!) it is to whip up restaurant-worthy flavor in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the ingredient list—every item has a distinct role to play in creating that iconic flavor, glorious texture, and eye-popping color you expect from this classic. Stick to these simple essentials, and your Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken will turn out just right every time.

• Chicken: Choose boneless breast or thighs for tender bites; thighs stay juicy if you love extra flavor.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that shattering-crisp coating when frying the chicken.
• Eggs: Help the cornstarch stick to each piece, creating a pillowy exterior.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t skimp—seasoning early ensures savoriness in every bite.
• Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or peanut for high-heat frying and clean flavor.
• Red & Green Bell Peppers: Add crunch, sweetness, and that iconic colorful finish.
• Onion: The subtle sharpness ties together all the sweet and sour elements.
• Pineapple Juice (for sauce): Delivers authentic tang and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and creates a luscious glaze.
• Ketchup: Brings bold color and irresistible umami to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Gives a gentle acidity that makes the dish sing.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and just the right amount of saltiness.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken and veggies.
• Garlic Powder: A hint of warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Pepper Flakes (optional): A gentle kick for anyone who loves a touch of heat.

How to Make Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized, even pieces—aim for about 1 inch each to ensure quick, even cooking. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, tossing well so every piece is nicely seasoned. This simple step forms the foundation for flavor, making sure each crispy bite tastes amazing on its own.

Step 2: Dredge with Cornstarch and Egg

Set up your dredging station: Pour the cornstarch into one shallow bowl and the beaten eggs into another. Dip each piece of chicken first into the cornstarch, making sure it’s fully coated (don’t forget the nooks and crannies!), then into the beaten eggs. This double-coating is the game changer for that signature crunch in Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken Until Golden

Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, giving them plenty of space so they don’t stick together. Each piece should sizzle up and turn a beautiful golden brown within just a few minutes. Drain on paper towels to keep them extra crispy while you finish the rest.

Step 4: Make the Signature Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whisk together pineapple juice, sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring often to dissolve the sugar. Once it’s bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the sauce turns glossy and thick enough to coat the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Pineapple

In a separate pan (use a clean one so the veggies stay bright and don’t taste greasy), add just a small splash of oil. Stir-fry the red and green bell peppers, onion, and a handful of canned or fresh pineapple chunks until everything is just starting to soften but still vibrant. The goal is to keep a little crunch for contrast.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the crispy chicken to the pan with the peppers, onions, and pineapple. Pour the thickened sweet and sour sauce all over the top, then toss everything gently but quickly. You want every piece glossy and coated, but not soggy—work fast over high heat to keep things snappy and bright. Serve your Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken steaming hot over a fluffy bed of white rice or fried rice.

How to Serve Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can truly elevate your Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, or scatter thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Fresh cilantro or even a few slices of red chili for spice lovers add a little gourmet touch without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken absolutely sings over steaming white rice, but you could just as easily serve it with classic fried rice, a mound of garlic noodles, or even a cool cucumber salad on the side to balance the rich flavors. If you’re feeling extra, sautéed bok choy or broccoli florets also make a bright, healthy addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special dinners, serve Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken in a big communal platter for a crowd-pleasing effect, or pile it onto individual rice bowls for casual family-style meals. For a playful twist, fill lettuce cups with chicken and veggies for bite-sized appetizers, or skewer pieces for an eye-catching “sweet and sour kebab” experience. It’s all about letting those glossy colors and aromas take center stage!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, keep Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will soak into the chicken a bit, softening the coating, but the flavor remains just as bold and satisfying even on day two.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken for up to two months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve. This helps preserve the vibrant texture and keeps everything tasting fresh.

Reheating

To recreate that just-cooked magic, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, which helps revive some crunch. If you’re in a hurry, a skillet over medium heat also works—just add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed, and toss gently until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are full of flavor and stay super juicy even after frying. They’re a great option for Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken if you prefer a richer bite. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into even pieces for best results.

What oil should I use for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point is your best friend here. Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil all deliver even frying without adding extra flavors to your chicken. Make sure the oil is hot enough so the coating crisps quickly.

Do I have to deep fry the chicken?

No deep fryer required! A large skillet with about an inch of oil is plenty. For a lighter version, you can oven-bake or air fry the coated chicken pieces at a high temperature, but you might not get quite the same classic crunch.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, in fact, the sweet and sour sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. Store it in a jar and give it a quick warm-up before tossing with freshly fried chicken and veggies. It’s a time-saver for busy nights.

Is Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken gluten-free?

With a couple tweaks, it can be! Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version and make sure your ketchup doesn’t contain wheat. Always check the labels on your ingredients to keep the recipe safe for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe that’s meant to be shared—bold, bright, and full of feel-good energy. If you’re ready to wow yourself (and everyone else at the table), give Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken a try. There’s nothing like hearing the crunch, smelling that tangy-sweet sauce, and knowing you made it all from scratch. Enjoy every bite!

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