Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved classic that balances tangy, fruity flavors with crispy, tender chicken pieces. This easy recipe delivers a delightful homemade version that’s perfect for a family dinner or weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 3 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1/2 cup oil (for frying)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic Parsley Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the sliced chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the corn starch, black pepper, salt, and pressed garlic cloves. Stir well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each coated chicken piece into the eggs before frying.
- Step 3: Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and place the fried chicken in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic parsley salt to make the sauce.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce evenly over the fried chicken in the baking dish.
- Step 6: Bake the chicken and sauce at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces over every 10 minutes to ensure an even coating of sauce while baking.
- Step 7: Once baked and nicely coated, serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed white rice or alongside your favorite noodles. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double dip the chicken pieces in egg and corn starch before frying.
- Add diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the sauce before baking for a fruity twist.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your taste.
Storage
Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain crispness. Avoid soaking the chicken in sauce when storing to preserve texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat and fry the chicken ahead, then store it separately. Add sauce and bake right before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or rice vinegar makes a good substitute and will maintain the dish’s characteristic tanginess.
Print
Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender chicken breast pieces are coated, fried until golden brown, then baked in a flavorful homemade sweet and sour sauce. Perfect served over steamed white rice or noodles for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/2 cup oil (for frying)
- 2 eggs
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic Parsley Salt
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the corn starch, black pepper, salt, and pressed garlic cloves. Stir thoroughly until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
- Prepare for Frying: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each coated chicken piece into the whisked eggs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the egg-coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once fried, transfer the chicken pieces into a single layer in a baking dish.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic parsley salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the fried chicken in the baking dish. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes.
- Flip the Chicken: Every 10 minutes during the baking process, flip the chicken pieces to ensure even coating and caramelization of the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked and nicely coated with the sauce, serve your sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed white rice or your favorite noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh apple cider vinegar rather than distilled vinegar.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop before pouring it over the chicken.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for frying.
- Flipping the chicken every 10 minutes while baking helps achieve a crispier texture and better sauce absorption.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Keywords: sweet and sour chicken, fried chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, Chinese American recipe, homemade sauce, weeknight meal
