4.9 from 570 votes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Sweet and Sour Chicken features chicken breast chunks coated in cornstarch, browned for a crispy exterior, then baked in a tangy sauce made from sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Slow baking allows the flavors to meld while keeping the chicken tender inside. Stirring every 15 minutes ensures even coating and caramelization of the sauce. This preparation balances sweetness and tang, making it a satisfying protein served best over rice.
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
528 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Asian
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs chicken breast boneless skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 egg lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoon ketchup
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
- Put the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Put the eggs in a separate bowl. Place the oil in a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch, then dip in the egg. Add to the hot oil and brown on all sides. You do not need to cook the chicken through, just brown the outside to get a crispy exterior. Transfer the chicken to a 9x13-inch baking dish and continue with the remaining chicken.
- In a bowl, combine the sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, soy sauce and garlic powder. Pour the sauce over the top of the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Serve over prepared rice.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Nutritional information is estimated and does not include rice served alongside the chicken.
- To maintain crispy texture, ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated and browned before baking.
- Stir the chicken every 15 minutes while baking to avoid sauce burning and to distribute flavors evenly.
- Use apple cider vinegar as specified for a balanced sweet and sour profile; substituting vinegar types will change flavor.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
528kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
58g
(19%)
Protein
42g
(84%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
11g
(65%)
Trans Fat
0g
(0%)
Cholesterol
185mg
(62%)
Sodium
1316mg
(55%)
Fiber
0g
(0%)
Sugar
36g
(72%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 528
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 528kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 185mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 1316mg | 55% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 36g | 72% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.