If you have ever craved a dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors with crispy, tender chicken, then you are in for a treat with this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe. It effortlessly marries the zing of vinegar and the mellow sweetness of sugar with a satisfying crunch from its delicate batter, creating an experience that delights every bite. Whether you are making a family dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this recipe brings restaurant-quality charm right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to the dish’s crispy coating, juicy chicken, or vibrant sauce, ensuring a perfect balance in every mouthful.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender and juicy bites.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with rich, aromatic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken pieces evenly.
- Black pepper, to taste: Offers mild heat and a hint of sharpness to lift the dish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a touch of umami and saltiness to the marinade.
- ¾ cup cornstarch: Key to that ultra-crispy batter coating.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure and body to the frying batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Creates lightness for an airy, crisp crust.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to enhance crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory flavors in the batter.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and flavor enhancement throughout.
- â…” cup ice-cold water: The cold water keeps the batter crisp and prevents it from absorbing oil.
- 1 large egg: Binds the batter together for a perfect coating.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral high-heat oil for that golden exterior.
- 1 recipe sweet and sour sauce: The luscious sauce brings all the flavors together. (Link provided below)
How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Season them well with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and soy sauce. The soy sauce adds that savory depth while the spices create a fragrant base for your batter to cling onto perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and kosher salt. Adding the ice-cold water slowly while stirring and the egg will give you a smooth, slightly thick batter that is essential for coating the chicken evenly and crisping up beautifully during frying. Using cold water is an essential trick to keep the batter from absorbing too much oil.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. The batter’s light and airy crispiness is what makes this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe stand out, ensuring each bite has that satisfying crunch on the outside while the chicken remains juicy inside.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan, which helps maintain oil temperature for that perfect golden fry. Cook until each piece is crispy and cooked through, usually around 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Combine with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Once your chicken is fried, toss it in the homemade sweet and sour sauce until every piece is generously coated. This final step envelops the crisp chicken in a tangy, sweet glaze, finishing the dish with vibrant flavor and irresistible shine.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions on top of your Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for added texture and color. A handful of thinly sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks also makes lovely, colorful toppings that highlight the dish’s vibrancy and zest.
Side Dishes
This chicken dreams of accompaniments that soak up its flavorful sauce. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice makes for a classic, comforting pairing. You can also add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a fresh and crunchy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe topped over crispy noodles or inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld bite. Alternatively, a colorful bento box with various dipping sauces and fresh fruit can turn this meal into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispiness may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delightful and perfect for reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe, separate the fried chicken and the sauce before freezing. Wrap the chicken pieces individually or in small batches to prevent clumping and store the sauce in a sealed container. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, warm the sauce separately on the stovetop or microwave and toss the chicken in it just before serving for a fresh taste that rivals the original.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and can work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is cornstarch necessary in the batter?
Cornstarch is key to getting that light and crisp texture that sets this recipe apart. It creates a delicate crust that stays crunchy even after being tossed in sauce.
Where can I find a good sweet and sour sauce recipe?
Many recipes are available online, but look for one that balances vinegar, sugar, and ketchup or pineapple juice for that classic sweet and tangy flavor. Homemade versions usually taste best with fresh ingredients.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake it for a healthier alternative, but the texture will be less crispy. To get closer to the fried texture, try using a convection oven or broil at the end for a few minutes.
How do I prevent the batter from falling off during frying?
Ensure the chicken pieces are well coated and the oil is hot enough before frying. Overcrowding the pan cools the oil and makes the batter soggy, so fry in small batches.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about a homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe that hits all the right notes of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates weekday dinners or special occasions with every delicious bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen.
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 tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy, flavorful sweet and sour sauce. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for a delicious homemade takeout experience.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade & Coating
- 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
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 recipe sweet and sour sauce (as per linked recipe or homemade)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with onion powder, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, black pepper, and soy sauce. Mix well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Add the ice-cold water and the egg, stirring gently until just combined to create a smooth batter. Do not overmix to keep it light and crispy.
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep pan or fryer with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces and heat it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Batter the Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the prepared batter, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-6 minutes or until the coating is crispy and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Toss with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken pieces with the prepared sweet and sour sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Make sure the water for the batter is ice-cold to achieve a light, crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and ensure even frying.
- The sweet and sour sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
- For a healthier option, the chicken can be baked or air fried, but frying yields the crispiest texture.
- Use fresh ingredients and maintain proper oil temperature for the best results.
