If you’ve ever craved the irresistible combination of crispy chicken coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce, this Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. It delivers everything you love about restaurant-style sweet and sour chicken — crunchy texture, bold flavor, and colorful vegetables — but with simple ingredients and straightforward steps you can easily manage at home.

Sweet and sour chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its vibrant appearance and perfectly balanced sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can fry the chicken for maximum crispiness or use lighter cooking methods while still achieving delicious results. Plus, making it yourself allows you to control the sweetness, sodium, and ingredients, creating a healthier and fresher version than most takeout options.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with homemade Asian-inspired cuisine, this recipe checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons this homemade sweet and sour chicken stands out:

Quick and easy — ready in about 40 minutes
Crispy restaurant-style texture
Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Customizable with your favorite vegetables
Better value than ordering takeout

Once you try it, you may never order sweet and sour chicken from a restaurant again.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)

For the Vegetables:

1 cup pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, cut into chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Set Up the Coating Station:
Place cornstarch in one bowl and beaten eggs in another. In a third bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip chicken pieces into cornstarch first, then egg, and finally the flour mixture. This triple coating creates extra crispiness.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and pineapple juice until smooth.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Add the fried chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Toss until every piece is evenly coated with sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

The Secret to Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

The magic of sweet and sour chicken comes from the balance of flavors and textures:

Crispy exterior: The combination of cornstarch and flour creates a light yet crunchy coating.

Tangy sweetness: Vinegar provides acidity while sugar and pineapple juice bring sweetness.

Glossy sauce: Cornstarch thickens the sauce to that signature restaurant-style consistency.

Fresh vegetables: Bell peppers and onions add crunch and color contrast.

When all elements come together, you get a dish that’s deeply satisfying and full of flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Dry Chicken Thoroughly

Moisture prevents crisping. Always pat chicken dry before coating.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Frying in batches keeps oil temperature stable and ensures crisp chicken.

3. Toss Chicken Last

Add chicken just before serving to maintain crunchiness.

4. Adjust Sweetness

Prefer less sugar? Reduce brown sugar slightly without affecting texture.

5. Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Flavor

Fresh pineapple adds brightness and natural sweetness.

Healthier Cooking Options

If you want a lighter version, try these alternatives:

Oven-Baked:
Bake coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

Air Fryer:
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Pan-Sautéed:
Use minimal oil and cook chicken in a nonstick skillet.

These options reduce oil while still delivering delicious results.

Delicious Variations

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Orange Flavor

Add orange juice and zest for a citrus twist.

Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Mix chili flakes or sriracha into the sauce.

Honey Sweet and Sour Chicken

Replace brown sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.

Vegetarian Version

Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.

What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with many sides:

Steamed jasmine rice
Fried rice
Lo mein noodles
Stir-fried vegetables
Egg rolls or spring rolls

For a complete meal, combine rice, vegetables, and chicken for a balanced plate.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken separately from sauce for best texture.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet for best crispness. Microwave works but softens coating.

Fun Facts About Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour flavors have existed in Chinese cuisine for centuries, originally using vinegar and sugar to create balanced sauces for fish and pork. The modern sweet and sour chicken popular in Western countries evolved from Cantonese cooking traditions but adapted to local tastes with ketchup-based sauces and deep-fried chicken.

Today, it remains one of the most recognizable Chinese-American dishes worldwide.

Why Homemade Is Better Than Takeout

Making sweet and sour chicken at home offers several advantages:

Fresher ingredients
Less sodium and preservatives
Customizable flavors
Budget-friendly
More vegetables per serving
Control over cooking methods

Plus, the aroma filling your kitchen while cooking is unbeatable.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe works for:

Weeknight dinners
Family gatherings
Meal prep
Potlucks
Game nights
Comfort food cravings

Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it both visually appealing and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken is proof that homemade meals can rival — and even surpass — restaurant favorites. With crispy chicken, bright vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and excitement in every bite.

Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a reliable go-to meal that impresses guests, satisfies cravings, and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.