If you’re anything like me, you love a good Sweet and Sour Chicken—but not always the heavy, deep-fried version. That’s exactly why I love this lighter, easier take on the classic Chinese takeout favorite.
This homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken still delivers that irresistible tangy-sweet sauce you crave, but with a lighter coating that’s just as satisfying—without the deep fryer. It’s a quick and easy chicken recipe that anyone can make, even on a busy weeknight.
I’m always looking for chicken recipes that feel a little different, and this one hits the spot every time. Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a simple dinner that’s full of flavor, this recipe is a must-try!
This recipe is a family favorite! If you are craving take out then try this instead! Or try my Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli!
Ingredients
Don't let the amount of ingredients push you away. It is really simple!
- boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- olive oil
- flour
- cornstarch
- egg
- water
- onion
- bell pepper
- carrots
- canned pineapple chunks
- salt/pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- steamed rice
- sugar
- vinegar
- ketchup
See exact quantities in recipe card below.
Instructions
- Step 1: Dredge chicken in egg wash and flour mixture
- Step 2: Cook chicken pieces and remove
- Step 3: Stir fry veggies until crisp tender
- Step 4: Make sauce
- Step 3: Stir chicken back in
- Step 4: Serve with rice and enjoy take out at home!
Watch this recipe in action in the video below!
Tips
- Veggies - only cook the veggies until crisp tender. They will soften even more once the sauce is made.
- Chicken - I saute the chicken as well. I do not let them soak in a ton of oil. They will have a slight crisp to them still.
Tools Needed
For the dredging station it is certainly nice to have trays with edges, but not necessary! Use plates and shallow bowls. However, after coating the pieces lay them on some parchment while you finish dredging. Using a heavy duty skillet helps retain the heat for this recipe. I firmly believe quality tools in the kitchen just make cooking more enjoyable! This is a LINK to my Amazon Storefront. These are tools I use ALL the time and love!
Substitutions
- Veggies - This is YOUR recipe! If you don't like one of the veggies, leave them out. If you love celery or snow peas instead, throw them in!
- Chicken - Using thighs works just as great as breasts!
Dinners to try
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts cut in bite size pieces
- 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil for pan frying
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 Tablespoon water
- ½-1 onion cut in chunks
- ½-1 bell pepper cut in chunks
- 1-2 carrots cut in chunks
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks reserving juice for sauce
- salt
- pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
Serve With
- Steamed Rice
Sauce
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
To Thicken if needed
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- In shallow dish beat egg with water. In separate shallow dish combine flour and cornstarch and generous sprinkles of salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders. Dip cubed chicken in egg mixture then roll in mixture of flour. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sit undisturbed in single layer for a minute or two. Then toss and brown chicken. Remove from pan. Stir-fry onion, pepper, and carrots in 1Tablespoon additional oil. Use however many onions and peppers you want. Pour pineapple juice over onions and peppers. Reserve pineapple for later. To the veggies add the sauce ingredients except cornstarch and water. Stir. Add chicken and pineapple (As many pineapple as desired). Stir and let simmer. If you want a thicker sauce make a slurry with the cornstarch and water and add to simmering mixture and stir.
theresa crossland says
Great meal!
Misty Tannery says
So glad you liked it! Thank you for adding your comment!
Madelyn Tannery says
Love this recipe! Orange chicken has always been hard for me but this recipe makes it easy! So delicious and always full proof
Misty Tannery says
SO glad to hear you like this recipe! It is a fav over here too!