4 Chinese Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipes

Sweet and sour chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine, known for its perfect balance of tangy sweetness, savory flavor, and satisfying texture. Whether you’re craving something crispy and fried or prefer a lighter, healthier version baked or stir-fried, this dish has endless possibilities.

In this post, you’ll find four delicious variations of sweet and sour chicken that you can easily make at home, from the classic crispy version with pineapple to a flavorful slow cooker twist. Each recipe is packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients that the whole family will love. Ready to cook up something amazing?

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

@melissa.cooknbake

This crispy, sweet, and sour chicken dish is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The chicken is coated in a crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection. It’s then tossed with vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks, creating a colorful and appetizing meal.

The combination of sweet and tangy sauce adds a delicious kick, making each bite a treat. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water to create a smooth batter.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip chicken pieces in the batter and fry until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pan, sauté the bell peppers for a few minutes until slightly tender. Add pineapple chunks and stir.
4. Add Sauce: Pour sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine. Add the fried chicken and toss everything together until well-coated.
5. Serve: Plate the dish over rice and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and sour chicken!

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken with Bell Peppers

@nancyyeo_

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant bell peppers. The sweet and tangy sauce brings everything together, making it a favorite for many. In the image, you can see golden-brown chicken pieces nestled among colorful red and yellow bell peppers, all glistening in a delicious sauce. Fresh herbs add a pop of green, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.

This recipe is not just tasty; it’s also easy to prepare. You can enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal or serve it at gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

Let’s get started on making this scrumptious dish!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ginger powder
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until coated, then dip them in beaten eggs.

2. Pan-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Lightly fry the chicken pieces for about 2 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked.
3. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch slurry and add it in, whisking until thickened.

4. Bake the Dish

1. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
2. Add the chopped bell peppers (and onion if using) on top.
3. Gently toss to coat everything in the sauce.
4. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the sauce glazes the chicken evenly.

5. Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for added flavor.
3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry

@omnivorescookbook

Sweet and sour chicken stir-fry is a delightful dish that brings together vibrant colors and flavors. The image showcases a sizzling pan filled with tender chicken pieces, bright red and yellow bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks. Steam rises from the pan, hinting at the delicious aroma that fills the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet pineapple and tangy sauce creates a balance that everyone loves. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and yellow)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Veggies: Toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and pineapple. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Mix in the Sauce: Pour in the sweet and sour sauce, stirring well to coat everything. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

@sue_healthyeats

Slow cooker sweet and sour chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a tangy sauce. The image shows a delicious mix of chicken pieces, bell peppers, and pineapple, all simmering in a rich sauce. This meal is perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

To serve, you can pair this sweet and sour chicken with steamed rice or noodles. The sauce is so good that you’ll want to soak it all up!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
2. Add Veggies: Layer the chopped bell peppers, pineapple, carrots, and onion on top of the chicken.
3. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Sweet and sour chicken is a timeless favorite, and with these four easy-to-follow recipes, you can bring that delicious takeout flavor straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving the crispy fried classic, a quick stir-fry, a healthier baked version, or the ease of a slow cooker meal, there’s something here for every taste and schedule.

These recipes are versatile, family-friendly, and sure to become regulars on your dinner rotation. So grab your wok (or slow cooker!) and give one a try tonight—you might just discover your new go-to comfort dish. Enjoy every sweet and tangy bite!