Best 10 Simple Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Sweet and Sour Chicken, a classic dish that harmonizes sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite. This delectable dish features tender chicken morsels coated in a crispy, golden batter, then smothered in a luscious sauce made with pineapple, green bell peppers, onions, and a harmonious blend of sweet and sour flavors. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

**In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover three enticing recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels:**

1. **Traditional Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Experience the authentic flavors of this beloved dish, prepared with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. This recipe yields a lip-smacking sauce that captures the perfect balance of sweet and sour, coating the crispy chicken in a vibrant, flavorful glaze.

2. **Healthy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:** For those seeking a lighter version, this recipe utilizes the goodness of lean chicken breast and wholesome ingredients. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors without compromising on healthfulness.

3. **Easy Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken:** Craving a hassle-free meal? Look no further than this slow cooker version. Simply toss the ingredients into your trusty slow cooker and let it work its magic. Enjoy tender, succulent chicken enveloped in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and enticing images to guide you through the process. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a mouthwatering Sweet and Sour Chicken that will become a family favorite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Sweet and Sour Chicken image

Make your favorite takeaway Chinese at home with this sweet and sour chicken recipe. It's the perfect, easy weeknight main dish.

Provided by Jaden Hair

Categories     Dinner     1-Pot     Restaurant Favorite     Stir-fry     Chicken     Chicken Breast     Chicken Thigh     Chinese     Pineapple

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound of boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1" chunks
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon table salt)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 (10 ounce) can pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
1/4 cup juice from the canned pineapple
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon table salt)
2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Steps:

  • Coat the chicken with egg white: In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg white, salt and cornstarch. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Make the sweet and sour sauce: Whisk together the pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, salt, and brown sugar.
  • Stir-fry the chicken over high heat: Heat a large frying pan or wok over high heat until a bead of water instantly sizzles and evaporates. Pour in 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat. It's important that the pan is very hot. Add the chicken and spread the pieces out in one layer. Let the chicken fry, untouched for 1 minute, until the bottoms are browned. Flip and fry the other side for 1 minute. The chicken should still be pinkish in the middle. Dish out the chicken onto a clean plate, leaving as much oil in the pan as possible.
  • Stir-fry the bell pepper and ginger: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of cooking oil. Let the oil heat up before adding the bell pepper chunks and ginger. Fry for 1 minute.
  • Add the pineapple, sauce, and then, the chicken: Add the pineapple chunks and the sweet and sour sauce. Turn up the heat to high. When the sauce is simmering, add the chicken pieces back in. Let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Timing depends on how thick you've cut your chicken. The best way to tell if the chicken is done is to take a piece out and cut into it. If it's pink, add another minute to the cooking.
  • Adjust the seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and add more brown sugar or vinegar to suit your tastes, if you'd like. Serve hot with steamed white or brown rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 185 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 675 mg, Sugar 24 g, Fat 15 g, ServingSize Serves 4, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Sweet and Sour Chicken image

Instead of deep-frying chunks of chicken, this streamlined take on an American Chinese restaurant favorite opts for stir-frying it. Sweetness comes from pineapple chunks and juice, plus a touch of brown sugar, while rice wine vinegar delivers that pleasing sour punch.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained with 1/2 cup reserved juice
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth
4 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 4 teaspoons water
Cooked rice, for serving

Steps:

  • In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper and add to pan. Brown chicken and remove to plate. Add red and green peppers and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in pineapple chunks, juice, sugar, vinegar and broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer until sauce begins to reduce. Stir in cornstarch mixture and bring liquid to a simmer. Stir in chicken strips and cook for 5 minutes. Serve over rice.

EASY SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken image

This a really easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy! Serve over rice.

Provided by wmbloomer

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 celery ribs, sliced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 onion, chopped
½ cup ketchup
½ cup lemon juice
½ cup crushed pineapple with syrup
⅓ cup packed brown sugar

Steps:

  • Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
  • Roll and coat chicken cubes in flour mixture.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook and stir chicken in hot oil until not longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 8 to 10 minutes; remove and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook and stir celery, green peppers, and onion in heated oil until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Return chicken to the skillet.
  • Whisk ketchup, lemon juice, pineapple, and brown sugar in a bowl; pour into the skillet; bring to a boil.
  • Cook and stir chicken and vegetables in sauce until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420.6 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 64.6 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 27.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 870.1 mg, Sugar 31.6 g

BAKED SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken image

This is such an easy and delicious recipe I thought I would share it. I found this recipe on browneyedbaker.com.

Provided by B.A.B

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 -4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
1/4 cup canola oil or 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar (preferably rice or white)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Working in two batches, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch and then coat with the egg.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat and again in two batches, brown the chicken, turning it so that all sides are browned but not cooked through.
  • Place the chicken in a single layer in a foil lined 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Wisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Pour sauce evenly over the chicken and turn the chicken to ensure each piece is coated.
  • Bake for 1 hour, turning the chicken every 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.3, Fat 18.4, SaturatedFat 2.3, Cholesterol 149.6, Sodium 561, Carbohydrate 71.5, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 41, Protein 22.9

CHINESE SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken image

A sweet marinade that is just so easy to make! I use this recipe whenever we bring dinner to another couple's house. I marinate it at home, then just cook it there. It's great with white rice.

Provided by Traveling_Is_Love

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 1h50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ cup soy sauce
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Steps:

  • Combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, cold water, ginger, garlic, and black pepper in a bowl.
  • Add chicken breasts to marinade and stir to coat.
  • Pour the marinade and chicken into a 9x9-inch square baking dish.
  • Cover and marinate chicken in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Bake chicken in marinade until meat is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 40 minutes, turning midway through cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248.5 calories, Carbohydrate 29.7 g, Cholesterol 65.8 mg, Fat 1.4 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 1878.2 mg, Sugar 25.5 g

EASY SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN



Easy sweet & sour chicken image

Ditch the takeaway and make our simple sweet and sour chicken recipe. This speedy Chinese-style rice dish is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with zingy flavours

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 10

9 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 tbsp malt vinegar
4 tbsp dark muscovado sugar
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 skinless and boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 small onion, roughly chopped
2 red peppers, seeded and cut into chunks
227g can pineapple pieces in juice, drained
100g sugar snap peas, roughly sliced
handful salted, roasted cashew nuts, optional

Steps:

  • In a large microwaveable dish, mix the ketchup, vinegar, sugar and garlic thoroughly with the chicken, onion and peppers. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8-10 mins until the chicken is starting to cook and the sauce is sizzling.
  • Stir in the pineapple pieces and sugar snap peas and return to the microwave for another 3-5 mins until the chicken is completely cooked. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then stir in the cashews, if using, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305 calories, Fat 2 grams fat, Carbohydrate 38 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 23 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.63 milligram of sodium

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN II



Sweet and Sour Chicken II image

A one pan dish of chicken, bell pepper, water chestnuts, and pineapple with a soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar sauce. Serve this tasty, Asian-inspired dish over hot rice!

Provided by sal

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, juice reserved
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup vinegar
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ green bell peppers, diced
1 cup chopped celery
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
1 ½ pounds cooked chicken meat, cut into strips

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, blend reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Mix in flour, and stir until thickened.
  • Stir bell peppers, celery, and water chestnuts into the saucepan. Mix in chicken. Cook and stir until heated through. Stir in the pineapple chunks before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calories, Carbohydrate 53.2 g, Cholesterol 94.2 mg, Fat 7.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 33.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 710.3 mg, Sugar 42.4 g

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN I



Sweet and Sour Chicken I image

Pan fried chicken cubes served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Provided by LINDAHU

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Chinese

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
¼ cup cornstarch
1 ¾ cups water, divided
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup distilled white vinegar
2 drops orange food color
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
2 ¼ cups self-rising flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
1 egg
1 ½ cups water
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
2 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and orange food coloring. Heat to boiling. Turn off heat. Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water; slowly stir into saucepan. Continue stirring until mixture thickens.
  • Combine flour, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg. Add 1 1/2 cups water gradually to make a thick batter. Stir to blend thoroughly. Add chicken pieces, and stir until chicken is well coated.
  • Heat oil in skillet or wok to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry chicken pieces in hot oil 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove chicken, and drain on paper towels.
  • When ready to serve, layer green peppers, pineapple chunks, and cooked chicken pieces on a platter. Pour hot sweet and sour sauce over top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639.3 calories, Carbohydrate 56.2 g, Cholesterol 160.1 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 59.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 758.6 mg, Sugar 23.6 g

SIMPLE SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Simple Sweet and Sour Chicken image

Another of the UK's favourites. Here chicken is served with peppers, pineapple and water chestnuts in a lovely sweet and sour sauce. Serve with plain white rice or fried rice.

Provided by English_Rose

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1in cubes
1 small red pepper, de-seeded and cut into 1in pieces
1 small green pepper, de-seeded and cut into 1in pieces
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
1 bunch scallion, cut into 1in pieces
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained and cut into chunks (optional)
white pepper
1 tablespoon soft light brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons rice wine or 3 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
3/4 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons cornflour, mixed with
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the chicken, peppers, ginger and garlic. Fry for 2-3 minutes, then add the water chestnuts, scallions and pineapple, if using, and fry for about 30 seconds.
  • Add all the sauce ingredients and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 6 minutes. Season with white pepper.
  • Serve with plain white rice or fried rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350.5, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 76.9, Sodium 786.4, Carbohydrate 30.9, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 10.3, Protein 30.1

SWEET-AND-SOUR CHICKEN



Sweet-and-Sour Chicken image

My husband and I moved to the country 10 years ago, and I love it! We keep busy with daily chores, so I appreciate quick and easy meals like this.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 celery ribs, sliced
2 medium green peppers, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup crushed pineapple with syrup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
Hot cooked rice

Steps:

  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper; coat chicken. In a skillet, saute chicken in 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Remove and set aside. , Saute the celery, green peppers and onion in remaining oil for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Return chicken pan. Combine the ketchup, lemon juice, pineapple and brown sugar; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Serve over rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 513mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your Sweet and Sour Chicken the best flavor. If possible, use organic or locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Tenderize the chicken: To make the chicken extra tender, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a light touch when stir-frying: Don't overcrowd the pan when stir-frying the chicken. This will help to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of frying.
  • Make your own sauce: The sauce is one of the most important parts of Sweet and Sour Chicken. Making your own sauce from scratch will give you the best flavor and control over the ingredients.
  • Serve with rice: Sweet and Sour Chicken is traditionally served with rice. Jasmine rice or basmati rice are both good choices.

Conclusion:

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by people of all ages. It's a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you're sure to enjoy this recipe. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!

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