Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple & Peppers

Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to impress with its perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Originating from Chinese cuisine and adapted worldwide, this dish combines crispy golden chicken pieces with a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce made of vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and pineapple.

The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, delivering bursts of sweet, tart, and savory notes in every bite. Colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions add crunch and freshness, making the dish not only delicious but visually appealing.

What makes Sweet and Sour Chicken truly special is its balance—crispy and tender, bold and comforting, indulgent yet refreshing. Whether served over fluffy steamed rice or noodles, it’s a dish that brings joy to both weeknight dinners and festive occasions. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that feels restaurant-quality while being simple enough to recreate at home.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love Sweet and Sour Chicken because it offers a flavor combination that excites the taste buds while staying familiar and comforting. The crispiness of the fried chicken paired with the tangy, glossy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s also colorful and vibrant, making it a feast for the eyes as much as for the stomach. Another reason it’s a favorite is its versatility—you can adjust the sauce to be more tangy or sweeter based on preference, and add extra vegetables to make it more wholesome. It’s a dish that brings families together around the dinner table and always feels like a special treat without being overly complicated.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a must-try because it represents the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The golden-crisp chicken contrasts beautifully with the sticky, tangy-sweet sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s also a versatile meal—you can enjoy it as takeout-style comfort food or elevate it with homemade sauces and fresh produce for a healthier twist. Beyond flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. If you want to recreate the magic of restaurant-quality Chinese food at home, this dish is a must on your cooking list.

Recipe Information:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~480 (approximate, varies with portion size and frying method)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (with juice)

For Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare chicken coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture.
2. Fry chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
3. Make sauce: In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer until slightly thickened, then add pineapple chunks.
4. Cook vegetables: Stir-fry bell peppers and onion in a pan until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine everything: Toss fried chicken and vegetables in the sweet and sour sauce until well coated.
6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the flour-cornstarch mix and whisk eggs in a separate bowl.
3. Dip chicken into eggs, then coat with flour mixture.
4. Heat oil and fry chicken until crispy and golden brown.
5. In a saucepan, whisk ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger; simmer.
6. Add pineapple chunks and stir.
7. Sauté bell peppers and onion until slightly softened.
8. Toss fried chicken and veggies into sauce until well coated.
9. Garnish and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Sweet and Sour Chicken is best served hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice. It also pairs well with noodles or as part of a larger family-style meal with other Asian-inspired dishes like egg rolls or stir-fried vegetables.

Additional Tips and Variations:

• Healthier version: Instead of frying, bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter option.
• Make it spicier: Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Extra veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can be added for more nutrition.
• Sauce thickness: Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat and combine before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness, or microwave for convenience.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon or tongs for frying

FAQ:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken ahead, then combine and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely—chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.

Q: Can I use store-bought sweet and sour sauce?
A: Yes, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and allows you to control sweetness and tang.

Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding sauce?
A: Toss chicken in sauce right before serving to preserve crispiness.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a dish that never goes out of style. With its golden chicken, vibrant vegetables, and glossy sauce, it feels like restaurant-quality food right at home. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and simple enough for weeknights while still impressive for guests. Whether served over rice or noodles, this recipe guarantees smiles at the dinner table. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.