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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Guide to a Takeout Classic

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Guide to a Takeout Classic
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Sweet and Sour Chicken is a timeless favorite that brings together crispy chicken, colorful vegetables, juicy pineapple, and a glossy sauce that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. This easy homemade version is better than takeout, ready in under an hour, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes

  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 50 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil (for frying)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 6 tablespoons brown or demerara sugar

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

  • 1 can (432 g / 15¼ oz) pineapple pieces, drained (reserve juice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place cornstarch in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken on all sides until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. (Chicken will finish cooking later.)

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add onion and sauté, scraping up any browned bits.
Add bell peppers and cook until slightly softened.

4. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

5. Simmer

Pour sauce into skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add pineapple pieces. Stir in a little reserved pineapple juice if needed to thin the sauce.

6. Combine

Return chicken to the skillet.
Simmer for 5–6 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

7. Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Cut chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.

  • Add a splash of pineapple juice or water if sauce becomes too thick.

  • For extra crunch, double-coat chicken in cornstarch before frying.

  • Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/sweet-and-sour-chicken-recipe-the-ultimate-homemade-guide-to-a-takeout-classic/