This homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a perfectly tangy and sweet sauce. Better than takeout and made with everyday ingredients, this dish is a family favorite that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Add-Ins:
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs.
In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch slurry.
In a clean skillet or wok, add a little oil and sauté the bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add pineapple chunks.
Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and cook until it thickens (2–3 minutes).
Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until everything is heated through.
Serve hot over white rice or with noodles.
For extra crispy chicken, double-fry the pieces: fry once, remove, let rest for 5 minutes, then fry again briefly.
Use thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
You can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/sweet-and-sour-chicken/