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–+ servings
A bowl of sweet and sour chicken coated in a glossy pineapple-studded sauce with chunks of onion and bell peppers, showcasing the classic takeout-style finish.
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Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of my favorite takeout dishes. It has lightly battered chicken tossed in a sweet and salty pineapple sauce that balances the dish and makes it a crowd pleasing dish that disappears super quickly!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Dinner Party, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Takeout
Keyword: Asian Fried Chicken, Better Than Takeout, Better Than Takeout Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Crispy Chicken With Sauce, Easy Asian Fried Chicken, Easy Fried Chicken, Sticky Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Sweet Sour Chicken, Takeout Chicken
Servings: 3 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken

Batter

  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup water

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • 1 onion cut into thick wedges
  • 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into chunks
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water mixed into a slurry
  • ½ cup canned pineapple chunks

Optional Garnish

  • Rice for serving

Instructions

  • Marinate your chicken breast chunks with sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder for at least 15 minutes.
  • While the chicken marinates, cut your onions into thick wedges and do the same with your green and red bell peppers.
  • In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and water, mixing until smooth. Add your chicken and toss until well coated.
  • Heat your oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  • Add oil to a pan and add your onions and peppers, cooking until slightly softened.
  • Add water, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, pineapple juice, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
  • Add canned pineapple and mix once more, then toss in your fried chicken and stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
  • Serve over a fresh bowl of rice or enjoy it as is.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 8g