Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (2024)

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ByBeth Neels

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This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is very easy! Making your own sweet and sour chicken is healthier than take out and it tastes so much better!

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Doesn’t it seem like every year that New Years comes by faster? I mean seriously, it seems like we just celebrated the 4th of July and now it is 2019 in a few days! I hope that you all have a safe and happy 2019, and thanks for all of your loyalty throughout 2018! So, for the last post of 2018, I have been wanting to share my Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe.

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For New Years Eve we like to do a big Chinese takeout dinner at home. Going out to get takeout from our favorite restaurant is about a 45 minute trip, round trip and it ends up costing over $80 for the four of us. And besides, let’s be serious, who wants to go out in the freezing cold to get Chinese food on New Years Eve? Not me. Brrr!

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For about $10, I can make enough Sweet and Sour Chicken to feed us for two dinners, or we can invite some friends over! It’s a win – win situation! I can even serve it with a frozen egg roll, or potsticker, if I choose, for that price.

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A few other popular Chinese takeout recipes on BCC are Venison teriyaki and Sesame Chicken! This authentic wok will make it so much easier to cook with only a bit of oil!

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This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is really super easy! It will take a while to brown the chicken, but after that, you are home free!

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe, How to Make it

  1. I bought chicken tenders, rather than chicken breasts, to make it a bit easier.
  2. Place cornstarch in a bowl.
  3. Whisk eggs in another bowl.
  4. Coat chicken in cornstarch, I usually dump a handful of the chicken in the cornstarch and stir them around, to coat.
  5. Now dip coated chicken pieces in egg.
  6. Place a few tablespoons of oil in wok or frying pan. Brown chicken on both sides. Place browned chicken on plate to hold.
  7. Cut peppers in large chunks.
  8. Stir fry just a few minutes, to soften.
  9. Stir fry broccoli for a couple minutes.
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Place remainder of ingredients in pan, bring to boil, cook down until about half, then add cornstarch and water slurry, to thicken. Add chicken back in to warm. When chicken is warm, add peppers. Serve hot with jasmine rice.

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Sweet and sour is an old dish, some say it originated in China in the Hunan Province, but there is evidence of the dish in the UK in the Middle Ages, according to Wikipedia!

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Another easy recipe for you to try at home, you will not be disappointed with this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe! Easy, delicious and healthier than any other takeout you could possibly buy!

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Tools I Use to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Contains affiliate links, for full disclosure, see FTC Disclosure, here.

Enjoy! And have fun cooking!

Xoxo,

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Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is very easy! Making your own sweet and sour chicken is healthier than take out and it tastes so much better!

See Step by Step Photos Above!Most of our recipes have step by step photos and videos! Also helpful tips so that you can make it perfectly the first time and every time! Scroll up to see them!

5 from 14 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: entree, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 500kcal

Author: Beth Neels

Cost: $8

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to wok or frying pan, adding more when necessary.

  • Place cornstarch in one bowl and eggs in another.

  • Add a handful of chicken to cornstarch, shake off excess and then dip in egg. Place in hot oil and brown on both sides, don’t crowd pan. Remove to plate.

  • Continue until all chicken is done. Add all of the peppers, at one time and stir fry quickly.

  • Drain excess oil from wok. Add all of the rest of the ingredients, except rice and scallions. Bring to boil, reduce heat and continue cooking until reduced by about half.

  • Mix about 3 tablespoons cornstarch with about the amount same water, until combined. Pour into sauce a bit at a time, until thickened to your preferred consistency. Cook for an additional minute, or two.

  • Add chicken to sauce, to warm. Add peppers for only a few moments, just until warm.

  • Serve with rice, garnish with scallions.

Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (15) See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!

Video

Notes

  • Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook.
  • Cook vegetables crisp tender because they will continue to cook when dish is assembled.
  • An authentic wok will required much less oil when it is fully seasoned.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and purchase something, at no additional cost to you. See FTC Disclosure, here.

Beth Neels

Beth Neels is an entrepreneur, blogger, photographer, author, and recipe developer. She founded Binky’s Culinary Carnival in 2014, focusing on “Crafting delicious recipes with sustainable ingredients.” She has been featured in multiple online publications, including MSN, Reader’s Digest, AP news, and Parade.

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  1. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (19)
    This is great! Can you substitute this with shrimp too? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Absolutely! I would use jumbo shrimp, so that they do not become overcooked! Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply

  2. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (20)
    This is surely going to be my New Year Dish since I am having a lot of Guest Home for Dinner. Looks tasty and simple to try as well.

    Reply

    1. It is very simple! Thank you for the comment! I hope you have a Happy New Year!

      Reply

  3. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (21)
    I haven’t had sweet and sour in so long, but agree, it’s definitely best homemade to ensure you get all the good flavor without any unnecessary coloring etc. Looks great!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Caroline! I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

      Reply

  4. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (22)
    I love how easy this recipe looks. I know it would have been great for New Years, but I think this will be a staple in my busy home!

    Reply

    1. It is quite easy and fun Jeannette! Thanks so much for the comment! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  5. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (23)
    Love the combo of flavors in the sweet and sour chicken recipe! Can’t wait to try!

    Reply

    1. It’s really quite good! Thank you Lesli! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  6. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (24)
    I love sweet and sour! Homemade Chinese food is much better than cold takeaway. You can come and cook this at mine anytime!

    Reply

    1. That would be quite the trip, Amanda! It is really easy. Give it a go! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  7. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (25)
    This definitely looks much better than some that I’ve tried in some restaurant. Also, I agree that preparing it at home can be much healthier.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Claudia! I hope you have a great New Year!

      Reply

  8. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (26)
    Sweet and sour chicken is one of my favorite chinese dishes, love the addition of pineapple, you’re so right about the cost!

    Reply

    1. Me too! Thank you, my dear friend! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  9. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (27)
    this looks great, excellent suggestion to make your own rather than getting takeout. You also know exactly what went into it that way, avoiding unwanted salt, fat, etc.

    Reply

    1. Yes, it’s so much better tasting and for you! Thank you Caroline! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  10. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (28)
    This Sweet and Sour Chicken looks so tempting. Better than the take-out for sure. I love the step by step images. They help to understand the process.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Deepika! I really appreciate that! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  11. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (29)
    This sweet and sour chicken definitely does look better than take out and I love how easily it comes together! Pineapple is a favorite of mine.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tara! I love pineapple as well! I wish you happiness in the New Year!

      Reply

  12. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (30)
    This is surely going to be my New Year Dish since I am having a lot of Guest Home for Dinner. Looks tasty and simple to try as well.

    Reply

    1. Yes, it is very easy and would be great for a larger crowd! Thanks for commenting! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  13. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (31)
    I loved the step-by-step photos. thanks for sharing them.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Jacqueline! I’m glad they are helpful! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  14. Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (32)
    I love sweet and sour chicken and I agree, who wants to go out in the cold to pick up supper when you can make something just as delicious at home. Your version looks perfect.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Jere! I appreciate that! Happy New Year to you!

      Reply

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Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the batter made of in sweet and sour chicken? ›

For the batter:
  • ▢ ¾ cup cornstarch.
  • ▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour.
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
  • ▢ ⅔ cup ice-cold water.
  • ▢ 1 large egg.
Apr 19, 2024

What is sweet and sour sauce made of? ›

While sweet and sour can be found in diverse forms in China, the American version builds upon the simple mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices with the addition of fruit juice—most commonly pineapple—and ketchup, giving the sauce both its red hue and uniquely Western flavor.

Is Chinese sweet and sour chicken the same as orange chicken? ›

Orange Chicken is crispy and light due to its thin glaze. Meanwhile, Sweet and Sour Chicken is crispy with a thicker and more indulgent sauce. Their different textures make them both a delicious choice when you are craving Chinese food.

Is sweet and sour chicken an authentic Chinese dish? ›

Fusion cuisine

Sweet and sour chicken is a dish frequently served in Chinese restaurants in various countries in Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America and available at some restaurants in East Asia and Southeast Asia in an essentially identical version.

What is Chinese chicken batter made of? ›

Batter for Chicken Balls

To make the batter mix, you will need plain flour ( all-purpose flour ), corn starch, salt, baking soda, and water. Adding baking soda to the mixture creates a puffy, crispy texture. Plain flour and corn starch together make the perfect golden colour.

Do you dip chicken in egg before frying? ›

Submerge the chicken in the egg wash. Remove the chicken from the egg wash and dredge it in the flour a second time. Shake off the excess flour and place the chicken skin-side down in the hot oil.

What is sweet and sour dressing made of? ›

Directions. Stir together sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and ketchup until the sugar has dissolved. Whisk the vegetable oil into the onion mixture until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour; shake well before using.

What is sweet and sour mix made of? ›

Sour mix (also known as sweet and sour mix) is a mixer that is yellow-green in color and is used in many co*cktails. It is made from approximately equal parts lemon and/or lime juice and simple syrup and shaken vigorously with ice. This produces a pearly-white liquid with a pronounced flavor.

Why is Chinese sweet and sour sauce so red? ›

The sweet and sour sauce you get from most chinese restaurants is dyed with food colouring to make it red.

What is General Tso chicken vs sweet and sour chicken? ›

General Tso's chicken and sweet and sour chicken are completely different dishes. Starting with the sauce, General Tso's chicken is a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy while sweet and sour sauce is often served on the side and is just sweet and tangy.

Is sweet and sour chicken from Chinese healthy? ›

Nutrition Facts

There are 1765 calories in a 1 order (706.000g) serving size of Restaurant, Chinese, sweet and sour chicken. The calorie breakdown is 46% fat, 38% carbs, and 16% protein.

What is another name for sweet and sour chicken? ›

The origin of sweet and sour chicken was in the 18th century or even earlier from China. It spread to the United States in the early 20th century after the Chinese migrant gold miners and railroad workers turned to cookery as trades. In some countries, the dish is known as Ku lo yuk.

What is the actual flavour of sweet and sour sauce? ›

Sweet and sour sauce features a balanced combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes.

What is the difference between sweet and sour chicken and Cantonese sweet and sour chicken? ›

Our sweet and sour dishes are either 'Cantonese style' (which is the same as 'Hong Kong Style') or Sweet and Sour 'Balls' (thick battered). Our Cantonese style is cooked with the sauce, onions, peppers and pineapple. Whereas the Sweet and sour Chicken or King Prawns balls come with a separate pot of sauce.

What is a sweet and sour sauce? ›

: seasoned with a sauce containing sugar and vinegar or lemon juice.

What is chicken batter made of? ›

In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together potato starch, all-purpose flour, black pepper, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the water until a smooth batter forms, about 30 seconds.

Does sweet and sour chicken contain egg? ›

serving (2.5 oz. chicken, 1.1 oz. sauce) provides 2 M/MA. Suggested Specification eggs, salt, white pepper powder, garlic, ginger, and green onion.

Does KFC use batter? ›

While KFC won't be revealing its famous secret herb and spices blend (not even the staff know – it's locked away in a secret vault in the US), you can use our not-so-secret blend. The spices are mixed into flour which coats the chicken and becomes the crispy batter.

References

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