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–+ servings

Sweet and Sour Chicken

A vibrant, flavorful dish where crispy chicken pieces are enveloped in a glossy, tangy-sweet glaze. Simple ingredients come together swiftly for a restaurant-caliber meal at home, ideal for both main and side dish presentations.
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Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: sweet and sour chicken recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • ½ cup pineapple diced
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil or neutral oil
  • ½ onion sliced
  • 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs or breast cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch or potato starch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • 1 green onion finely chopped, for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 medium red bell pepper or yellow/green/orange, diced

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup white vinegar rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup brown sugar or white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, cold water, and starch to form the sweet and sour sauce. Set aside.
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Pan-fry the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until golden and crisp, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, increase to medium-high heat if needed.
  • Once fried, transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Retain 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the used oil in the pan and discard the remainder.
  • Over medium heat, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and pineapple briefly for 30 to 45 seconds.
  • Pour in the prepared sauce, simmering for 30 to 60 seconds until thickened.
  • Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat well with the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with green onion and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Air Fryer Instructions
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the starch-coated chicken in a single layer, ensuring spacing between pieces. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes until the exterior is golden and crisp. Cooking time may vary by appliance.