When it comes to Chinese-inspired flavors, sweet and sour chicken is a classic. The combination of tangy and sugary notes creates a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special occasion, sweet and sour chicken has got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering sweet and sour chicken recipes that cater to every taste and preference. From classic dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple to more adventurous takes like Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Sriracha, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your wok or skillet, and get ready to indulge in a world of flavors!
Classic Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional chicken dishes, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With the addition of pineapple, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, combine chicken, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup.
2. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add pineapple juice and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and addictive sweet and sour chicken bites, perfect for parties or a quick treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar.
2. Dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then coat with beaten egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
4. Fry coated chicken bites for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
This classic comfort food recipe is a staple of many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, deliciously flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal. With this slow cooker recipe, you can have tender and tangy sweet and sour chicken ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken pieces, sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
A twist on a classic Chinese-American dish, this healthy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is a flavorful and nutritious alternative to deep-fried versions. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Toss bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve chicken and bell peppers hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers Recipe
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple for a reason – the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors comes together in a quick and easy stir-fry. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add bell peppers and garlic; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Return chicken to the pan and pour in sweet and sour sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce
A twist on classic sweet and sour chicken, this recipe adds a hint of honey and garlic for a flavor explosion! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sweet and sour sauce, garlic, and honey.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the sauce mixture and toss until coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Sriracha
This recipe combines the classic sweet and sour flavors with a spicy kick from sriracha, creating a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and a hint of heat, you’ll be hooked on this flavorful twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Skewers with Vegetables
Sweet and Sour Chicken Skewers with Vegetables Recipe
A delicious twist on classic Chinese-inspired flavors, these sweet and sour chicken skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy sauce is sure to satisfy any palate.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, bell peppers, onion, and garlic onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with sweet and sour sauce.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot with additional sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Sweet and Sour Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Transform your lunch routine with these tasty and refreshing wraps! Crunchy lettuce, juicy chicken, and tangy sweet and sour sauce come together for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
– 8-10 large lettuce leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
2. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat with sweet and sour sauce.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble wraps by placing cooked chicken onto lettuce leaves, sprinkling with chopped scallions (if using), and drizzling with any remaining sweet and sour sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Fried Rice
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the flavors of sweet and sour with the comfort of fried rice, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cook diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with other ingredients.
6. Pour in sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. Stir-fry until rice is well coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Elevate your taco game with this unique fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and classic Mexican fare. Crispy chicken, tangy sweet and sour sauce, and fresh mango salsa come together in a harmonious bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh mango salsa (see below)
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together sweet and sour sauce and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
2. Dip chicken breasts in the mixture, coating evenly.
3. Fry chicken in hot oil until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Drain on paper towels and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing fried chicken onto tortillas and topping with mango salsa, cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Bring a burst of flavor to your table with these tender and juicy sweet and sour chicken meatballs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying this tangy treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with hands or a spoon until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Use your hands to shape mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs.
5. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. While meatballs are baking, warm sweet and sour sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken and Broccoli Bake
A flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic Chinese-inspired dish, this sweet and sour chicken and broccoli bake is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its tangy sauce and crispy topping, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Spread broccoli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; set aside.
4. In a separate baking dish, combine chicken and sweet and sour sauce.
5. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
6. Add the broccoli to the baking dish and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Cashews
Get ready for a flavorful and crunchy twist on classic sweet and sour chicken! This recipe combines the tanginess of a sweet and sour sauce with the crunch of toasted cashews, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup cashews, toasted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour sweet and sour sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with onion mixture.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
6. Sprinkle toasted cashews on top of chicken and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Pizza with Pineapple
Sweet and Sour Chicken Pizza with Pineapple Recipe
Add a twist to traditional pizza night with this unique Sweet and Sour Chicken Pizza with Pineapple recipe. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sweet and sour sauce, and caramelized pineapple will be a hit with your family and friends!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
– 1/4 cup cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness and place on a baking sheet.
3. Spread sweet and sour sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Top with cooked chicken, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Noodle Bowl
A flavorful and comforting bowl that combines the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of soy sauce with crispy chicken, noodles, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked noodles (such as rice noodles or egg noodles)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
5. Add cooked chicken, noodles, and sauce mixture to the pan with vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
Sweet and Sour Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw Recipe
Summary: This recipe combines the flavors of sweet and sour chicken, crispy breading, and creamy coleslaw for a delicious twist on traditional sliders.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sliders by placing cooked chicken on hamburger buns, topping with coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, and pickles (if using).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls
Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe
A delicious twist on traditional egg rolls, this recipe combines crispy wonton wrappers with a savory sweet and sour chicken filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together chicken, sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Brush the edges of the wrapper with water and fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
4. Seal the edge by pressing gently with your fingers.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Heat about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
7. Fry egg rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes (includes frying time)
Summary
Sweet and sour chicken lovers, rejoice! This article brings you 18 mouth-watering recipes that combine the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. From classic dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple to innovative twists like Sweet and Sour Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
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