Sweet and Sour Chicken
Crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a vibrant sweet and tangy sauce with crunchy bell peppers and onions. This popular Indo-Chinese dish is a perfect balance of flavors, making it a homemade takeout favorite that's ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken (15 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well to coat.
- c.Add the beaten egg, 2 tbsp cornflour, and all-purpose flour to the bowl. Stir until each piece of chicken is evenly and thoroughly coated in the batter.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Deep-Fry the Chicken (8-10 minutes)
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F). If you don't have a thermometer, a small drop of batter should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
- c.Working in small batches, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce (2 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato ketchup, remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- c.In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tbsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water until a smooth, lump-free slurry is formed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry Vegetables and Sauce (5 minutes)
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a clean wok or large skillet over high heat.
- c.Add the chopped ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the diced onion and bell pepper squares. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are vibrant and crisp-tender.
- e.Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok and bring it to a vigorous simmer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve (3 minutes)
- b.Give the cornflour slurry a quick stir and pour it into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- c.Add the fried chicken and pineapple chunks to the wok.
- d.Gently toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken and pineapple are fully coated in the luscious sauce.
- e.Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it. Fry once for 3-4 minutes, remove and let it cool slightly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy, greasy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
- 3Stir-frying is a very fast process. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking.
- 4The balance of sweet and sour is personal. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to match your preference.
- 5For a richer flavor and more tender chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 6This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the chicken against the thick sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 250g of paneer, firm tofu, or 2 cups of cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them using the same method.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili sauce (like Sriracha or sambal oelek) to the sauce mixture, or stir-fry a few slit green chilies with the ginger and garlic.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced carrots, baby corn, or zucchini. Add them along with the bell peppers.
Healthier PreparationHealthier Preparation
For a lighter dish, bake or air-fry the coated chicken pieces instead of deep-frying. Spray with a little oil and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. Onions and garlic contribute beneficial compounds that support heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour coating and the sugars in the sauce offer a rapid source of energy, making this a satisfying meal that can help refuel your body.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken (around 300g) contains approximately 450-550 calories. The majority of calories come from the deep-fried chicken, oil, and the sugar in the sauce.