Sweet and Sour Chicken has a bold and delicious taste! It is a mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The chicken is tender and the sauce is tangy and sweet. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal!
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If you enjoy tasty and satisfying meals, you’ll love this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe! It perfectly combines the tangy taste of pineapple juice with the sweetness of honey. Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables add more deliciousness.
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This dish is easy to make, whether you’re preparing a family dinner or cooking for yourself. Impress your taste buds with this simple yet delightful recipe, perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this sweet and sour chicken dish is perfect.
- Flavorful: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to satisfy different taste preferences.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe with your choice of vegetables and protein, making it an ideal meal for different diets.
- Healthy: Made with whole wheat flour and loaded with vegetables, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
- Check out these Chicken Recipes and this Gluten Free Orange Chicken for more ideas!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients for this sweet and sour chicken. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full recipe.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you only have chicken thighs, those work too. Cut into one inch pieces.
We love using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Use olive oil or avocado oil to brown the chicken.
Season with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken in either whole wheat flour or gluten free flour. Then, dredge in whisked egg and again in the flour.
For the sauce, use apple cider vinegar. This adds a tangy flavor.
To add sweetness, use unsweetened pineapple juice. If needed, use orange juice.
Honey or maple syrup add natural sweetness.
Use coconut aminos again for the sauce.
Season with garlic powder and ginger powder.
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch (or tapioca flour) with water. This will help thicken the sauce.
Chop bell peppers, broccoli florets, and fresh pineapple.
Taste & Texture
This Sweet and Sour Chicken is a tasty dish. The chicken is crispy on the outside and soft inside. The sauce is sweet and sour, with a mix of pineapple juice and vinegar.
It’s served with bell peppers and soft broccoli.
Overall, this dish has an Asian flavor!
How to Make
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in whole wheat flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with more flour.
Step 2
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, honey or maple syrup, coconut aminos, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 4
Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
Add the Vegetables: If using, add the chopped bell pepper, broccoli florets, and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sweet and sour sauce. Serve warm over brown rice or quinoa.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best sweet and sour chicken.
Perfect Chicken: To ensure the chicken is crispy and cooked through, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary.
Thick and Saucy: For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit of water or broth.
Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or almond flour, for varying levels of crunch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Consider these flavor variations for your sweet and sour chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Tropical Twist: Use mango and pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor profile.
Asian Fusion: Incorporate ingredients like sesame seeds and rice vinegar for a deeper Asian-inspired flavor.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this sweet and sour chicken dish over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
You can also enjoy it with rice noodles or cauliflower rice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and coconut aminos, and check that your sauces are gluten-free.
Absolutely! Tofu and shrimp are great alternatives to chicken.
Orange juice makes a great substitute if you’re out of pineapple juice.
Equipment Needed
Large Nonstick Skillet: This large pan is great for cooking this homemade sweet and sour chicken!
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