Authentic Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe | Quick Dinner

Authentic Chinese Chicken recipe — Sweet and Sour Chicken. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe | Quick Dinner

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup onion (sliced)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

    Marinating helps to tenderize the chicken.
  2. Coat the Chicken

    Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in flour until evenly coated.

    Ensure every piece is well-coated for a crispy texture.
  3. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

    Test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken; it should sizzle.
  4. Fry the Chicken

    Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

    Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
  5. Sauté the Vegetables

    In the same pan, add bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.

    Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
  6. Combine Ingredients

    Return the fried chicken to the pan, pour in sweet and sour sauce, and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

    Adjust the sauce quantity to your taste preference.
  7. Serve

    Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

    Fresh cilantro can also enhance the presentation.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness and sourness by varying the sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your chinese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed jasmine rice
🍽️Stir-fried vegetables
🍽️Egg drop soup

About This Dish

Authentic Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe | Quick Dinner is a beloved dish from Chinese cuisine.

Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest and most diverse culinary traditions in the world, with thousands of years of history. Each of China's eight major regional cuisines offers unique flavors and cooking techniques.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 14 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pork or tofu can be great substitutes.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories400kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates35gg
Dietary Fiber2gg
Total Sugars10gg
Protein25gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineChinese
CategoryDinner