If you have ever craved a dish that dances on your taste buds with the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bringing together crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a delicate batter and drenched in luscious sweet and sour sauce, this dish will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Whether it’s a family dinner or a fun weekend treat, making this classic favorite at home ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and just the right amount of satisfying crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward an unforgettable Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the perfect crispy coating, tender chicken, or that vibrant, tangy sauce that makes this dish so special.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even coating.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a hint of savory warmth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances flavor with a subtle garlicky undertone.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and adds crispiness when fried.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a touch of heat and flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides a salty umami kick for the chicken marinade.
- ¾ cup cornstarch: The backbone of the batter offering a light, crunchy texture.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the batter consistency and contributes to that golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up just right.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Assists in creating a tender, airy crust.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Adds a slight touch of sweetness to the batter.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- â…” cup ice-cold water: Cold water keeps the batter light and crisp.
- 1 large egg: Binds the batter and adds richness.
- Oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best for crisp frying.
- 1 recipe sweet and sour sauce: The star sauce linking all the flavors with its luscious blend of tanginess and sweetness.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces — this ensures every chunk gets crispy and saucy in every bite. Toss the chicken pieces with onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, black pepper, and soy sauce. This initial seasoning infuses flavor inside and out, prepping the chicken beautifully for frying.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a bowl, combine the ¾ cup cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together, then slowly add the ice-cold water and egg, stirring just until smooth. The cold water is crucial as it keeps the batter light, helping it puff up and crisp perfectly once fried.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered with a thin layer. The batter acts as a crunchy shell that seals in moisture and creates that coveted golden crust.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the batter-coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil, ensuring each bite stays light and not greasy.
Step 5: Toss in Sweet and Sour Sauce
Once all the pieces are perfectly fried, toss them immediately in your prepared sweet and sour sauce. The warmth from the chicken allows the sauce to stick beautifully, creating that iconic glaze that makes this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe irresistible.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh crunch and color contrast by sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken. These garnishes not only lift the visual appeal but also add flavor layers that make every forkful exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve your chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up that exquisite sauce. For a healthier balance, try stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad. These sides complement the rich, saucy chicken without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of colorful pineapple chunks and bell peppers. You can also turn it into a fun shareable appetizer by presenting the chicken on skewers with vegetables for dipping. Presentation can be playful and add a new dining dimension!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate if possible to preserve the crispiness of the chicken. Just reheat when ready to enjoy.
Freezing
While the chicken is best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken pieces without the sauce. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and saucing.
Reheating
To preserve the delightful crisp texture, reheat your chicken in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes rather than the microwave. Add the sweet and sour sauce after reheating to keep the coating crunchy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and offer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Just cut them into small pieces, and the same batter and frying technique will work perfectly.
How do I make homemade sweet and sour sauce?
A classic sweet and sour sauce combines pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch for thickening. Simmer these ingredients until glossy and thickened. This allows you to adjust sweetness or tang to your liking.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
You can bake the coated chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway. While baking is healthier, the coating won’t be quite as crispy as deep frying, but it’s still delicious and works well for a lighter option.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to your sauce if you want a spicy kick that complements the sweet and tangy flavors.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils fry evenly at high heat without burning or smoking, ensuring your chicken stays crispy and golden.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe a try at home because it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together with smiles and satisfied appetites. The combination of crispy chicken and that perfectly balanced sauce makes it a timeless crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe features crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a light and airy batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with a tangy homemade sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for a delicious homemade takeout experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Batter
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…” cup ice-cold water
- 1 large egg
Other
- Oil for frying
- 1 recipe sweet and sour sauce (linked below)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with onion powder, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, black pepper, and soy sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken and let it marinate for 5-10 minutes.
- Make the batter: In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add the ice-cold water and cracked egg, stirring until smooth to form a light batter.
- Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or wok to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface quickly.
- Batter the chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 4-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss with sauce: Gently combine the fried chicken with your prepared sweet and sour sauce, allowing the sauce to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken immediately over steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the batter is ice-cold to create a crispier coating.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; frying in batches ensures even cooking and better crispness.
- Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for the best results.
- You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time or use a store-bought version for convenience.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.
