Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The crispy chicken paired with a vibrant sauce makes it a favorite for many. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a date night, or simply indulging in some weekend comfort food, this recipe will take your cooking game to the next level!

What You’ll Need:

• For the chicken:
  • 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • Oil for frying
• For the sweet & sour sauce:
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp ginger (grated)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper (cut into chunks)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Prep the Chicken

Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip each piece first in the beaten eggs and then coat it generously in cornstarch. This will give the chicken that crispy, golden exterior we all love.

2. Fry It Up

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until they’re golden and crispy, around 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce

In a separate pan, combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Heat on medium until it starts to simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to thicken the sauce. Stir until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth.

4. Add the Veggies

Toss in your pineapple chunks (if using), along with the bell peppers. Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still vibrant.

5. Combine and Serve

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and stir until every piece is well-coated. Serve immediately with fluffy steamed rice, and enjoy your homemade sweet and sour chicken!

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet & Sour Chicken:

• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: If you want your chicken extra crispy, fry it twice! After the first round of frying, let the chicken cool for a few minutes, then fry again for a super crunchy texture.
• Play with the Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, feel free to adjust the sugar content or add more pineapple chunks for a fruity twist.
• Serve it Fresh: Sweet and sour chicken is best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy coating will absorb the sauce over time. But don’t worry – even leftovers taste amazing!