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Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken
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Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s loved for its crispy chicken, colorful vegetables, and perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and tangy sauce. Making it at home is easier than you think and gives you fresh, juicy chicken with a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Serve it with white or brown rice for a satisfying homemade takeout-style meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

  • 1/3 cup cornstarch

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 large egg

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sliced onion

  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers

  • 1 cup pineapple pieces

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into about 1-inch pieces and pat dry.

  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg.

  3. Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.

  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of vegetable oil.

  5. Add chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden, flipping once, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.

  6. If there are burnt flour bits in the skillet, carefully wipe them out with a paper towel.

  7. Add a small amount of oil if needed. Stir-fry onions and bell peppers for about 1 minute, just until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.

  8. Add all sauce ingredients to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

  9. Return chicken, vegetables, and pineapple to the skillet. Toss quickly to coat everything evenly with the sauce.

  10. Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice.

Notes

  • Keep chicken crispy: Don’t overcrowd the pan and fry in batches if needed.

  • Balance the sauce: Taste before adding chicken—add a splash of vinegar for more tang or a bit more sugar for sweetness.

  • Vegetable texture: Cook vegetables briefly so they stay slightly crunchy.

  • Healthier option: Air-fry or bake the chicken, then toss with the sauce.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/sweet-and-sour-chicken/