There’s something about the moment when you open the door after a long day and the aroma of sweet and sour chicken greets you. The sizzle from the pan, the vibrant reds and greens of bell peppers, and the unexpected pop of pineapple chunks all come together like a warm welcome. It’s not just dinner; it’s a comforting ritual that feels like a small celebration in your own kitchen.

I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a quiet evening, and the kitchen quickly filled with that tangy, sweet scent that made me pause and take a deep breath. The crispiness of the chicken contrasted perfectly with the luscious sauce that clung to every bite. Each forkful delivered a satisfying crunch followed by bursts of juicy pineapple and the gentle snap of tender peppers. It was the kind of meal that made me want to slow down, savor every mouthful, and maybe even savor the moment a little longer than usual.

The balance of sweet and tangy flavors lifts your taste buds without overwhelming them.
The crispy chicken texture holds up beautifully against the sauce, never soggy.
Bright bell peppers and pineapple add fresh crunch and juicy bursts.
Ready in just over half an hour, it’s perfect for both weeknights and casual weekends.
Pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, making it versatile for your family’s favorites.

If you’ve ever hesitated because you thought sweet and sour dishes were complicated, this recipe will surprise you. It’s easier than it looks, and the payoff is more than worth it. You can even prepare parts ahead of time to make the final cooking quick and stress-free.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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Description

A classic Chinese-American dish featuring crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce with colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour and cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, distilled white vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the pineapple chunks and bell pepper pieces to the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly with the sweet and sour sauce.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through, then remove from heat.
Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed white rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

FAQ

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives works well without changing the texture too much.

How can I keep the chicken crispy when adding the sauce?

Frying the chicken in batches and draining it well before mixing with the sauce helps maintain that crispiness.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken in advance and store it separately. Then, make the sauce fresh when ready to serve to keep everything tasting vibrant.

Now that you’ve caught a glimpse of why this sweet and sour chicken has become a favorite, why not give it a try tonight? It’s an invitation to bring a little brightness and warmth to your dinner table—one bite at a time.