Sweet and sour chicken is a timeless favorite—crispy bites of golden chicken coated in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances tangy and sweet. It's quick to prepare, easier than you'd expect, and delivers the kind of flavor that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
For Lykkers who crave a fun, feel-good dish that satisfies both your crunchy and saucy cravings, this guide walks you through every delicious step, with a little flexibility along the way.
Part 1: How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
This recipe has two main components: crispy chicken and the iconic sweet and sour sauce. When brought together, they create a dish that's full of flavor, texture, and joy.
The Ingredients You'll Need
(Serves 2–3)
For the Chicken:
Boneless chicken thighs – 400g, cut into bite-size pieces
Cornstarch – 60g
All-purpose flour – 40g
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (tsp)
White pepper – a pinch
Water – 80g
Neutral oil – enough for shallow frying
For the Sauce:
Pineapple juice – 100g
Rice vinegar or white vinegar – 2 tablespoon (tbsp)
Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon (tbsp)
Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon (tbsp)
Brown sugar – 2 tablespoon (tbsp)
Cornstarch – 1 teaspoon (tsp), mixed with 1 tablespoon (tbsp) water
For the Veggies:
Bell peppers – 1 small red + 1 small green (about 160g), chopped
Onion – 1 small (80g), cut into chunks
Pineapple chunks – 100g (fresh or canned)
Step by Step Process
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, white pepper, and water. Stir until smooth and thick. You'll want a consistency that coats the back of a spoon but still flows.
Step 2: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, add the chicken pieces into the batter, coating each piece well. Once the oil is hot, gently place the chicken into the pan in batches. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, tomato paste, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside. In another bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In a clean pan or wok, add a splash of oil and stir-fry the onion and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes over medium-high heat. You want them to stay bright and crisp. Add in the pineapple chunks and give everything a toss.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Chicken
Pour your sauce mixture into the pan with the veggies. Let it come to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. You'll see the sauce start to thicken and turn glossy—this only takes a minute.
Now add your crispy chicken back into the pan and stir to coat everything evenly. Once the chicken is fully glazed and the sauce is bubbling, you're done.
Part 2: Customize Your Sweet & Sour
What Makes This Dish So Satisfying?
The contrast is everything. You get crispy texture, bright veggies, juicy pineapple, and a sauce that hits both sweet and tangy in one bite.
Swap and Add Ideas
Not big on bell peppers? Try snap peas, broccoli, or carrots. Want a shortcut? Use store-bought sauce and just focus on the chicken. Feel like skipping the fryer? You can bake or air-fry the chicken pieces instead—just coat them lightly in oil and bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Go Lighter
For a lighter version, skip the batter and stir-fry seasoned chicken pieces directly, then add them to the sauce and veggies for a quicker, healthier take.
Leftovers and Storage
Refrigerate leftovers, and they'll stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat so the chicken stays a little crisp. The sauce might thicken overnight—just add a splash of water while reheating if needed.
Sweet and sour chicken is a dish that's bold, colorful, and completely craveable. It's easy to make, fun to customize, and brings joy with every sticky, crispy bite. Whether you're cooking for friends or treating yourself to something comforting, this recipe delivers every time. So Lykkers, get your pan sizzling and your sauce simmering—it's time to turn your kitchen into the tastiest corner of the world. Want to try another sweet and sour dish next? Let's get saucy again soon.
