Sweet and Sour Chicken holds a special place on many dinner tables because it perfectly balances bold, tangy flavors with a crispy, tender bite. This dish has become a go-to comfort food for home cooks craving that classic Chinese takeout vibe but made fresh and wholesome in their own kitchens.
With its vibrant sauce combining apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a hint of garlic, this recipe brings a lively zing to the palate, making it irresistible.
What I love most is how simple ingredients come together to create layers of taste and texture — crispy chicken coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s both sweet and tart. Plus, it’s a wonderful recipe for busy weeknights since it comes together quickly and feels like a special treat without any fuss.
Serving this dish alongside a crunchy Chinese Cucumber Salad adds a refreshing contrast, while a fizzy Raspberry Sherbet Party Punch brings a playful, fruity finish to the meal.
Sweet and Sour Chicken is trending because it hits that perfect balance of indulgence and ease, making it ideal for families wanting quick but flavorful dinners.
This dish isn’t just about flavor — it’s also a great way to pack in protein without heavy, greasy coatings. According to nutrition experts, lean chicken combined with a homemade sauce can be a healthier alternative to fried takeout.
Give this recipe a try and share your own tasty twists!
Why This Recipe Stands Out!
- A Family Favorite Comfort Food: I started making this recipe when I was craving something cozy and satisfying. It quickly became a go-to meal in our home—simple, quick, and packed with vibrant flavors.
- Perfect Crispy-Tender Texture: The chicken turns out crispy on the outside but tender inside every time. If you love that satisfying bite, this recipe will definitely hit the spot.
- Flexible Protein Options: I often swap between chicken breasts and thighs depending on what’s available or preferred. Both work beautifully, making it easy to adapt to your lifestyle.
- Wholesome, Homemade Sauce: This sauce feels indulgent but is made from wholesome ingredients, offering a balanced, flavorful alternative to heavy, greasy takeout sauces.
- Pairs with Refreshing Sides and Drinks: The dish shines when served with fresh, crunchy sides and vibrant drinks like a Raspberry Sherbet Party Punch, making every dinner feel a little more special.
Try More Delicious Chicken Recipe!
- Best Chicken Carbonara
- Best Ever Chicken Scampi
- Delicious Chicken Kebabs
- P.F. Chang’s Orange Chicken
- Harissa Honey Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
Sauce:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- 3 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Chicken:
- 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces (boneless skinless chicken thighs may be substituted)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil plus more if necessary
- 2 green onions sliced into thin rounds, optional for garnishing
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional for garnishing
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic to make the sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine cold water and cornstarch to make a slurry; add to sauce and whisk well.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with cornstarch.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet; stir and cook until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 514kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Sugar | 44g |
| Sodium | 594mg |
Creative Variations For Sweet and Sour Chicken!
- Try Different Proteins: Swap chicken with firm tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist that suits vegetarian or seafood lovers, keeping the sauce just as flavorful.
- Add a Smoky Depth: Incorporate a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke into the sauce to introduce a subtle smoky undertone that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Experiment with Fruit: Toss in pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges at the end of cooking for a fresh, juicy burst that complements the tangy sauce and adds vibrant color.
- Boost the Umami: Stir in a teaspoon of hoisin sauce or miso paste to the sauce mixture for an extra layer of savory richness without overpowering the classic sweet and sour profile.
- Spice It Up: Add finely chopped fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if you want a gentle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness, giving the dish a lively kick.
- Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted cashews or chopped water chestnuts on top before serving for an unexpected crunch that adds texture and a pleasant nutty flavor.
These variations help keep the dish exciting and allow you to customize it to your taste, making sweet and sour chicken a versatile recipe to revisit time and again.
