Sweet Sour Chicken Fakeaway Night Done Right

Sweet Sour Chicken Skip Takeaway Tonight Easy Recipe

By Thea RosewoodAugust 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved that perfect sweet and sour chicken takeaway but dreaded the dodgy ingredients? This recipe nails it! We're talking next level Sweet and Sour Chicken , delivering all the flavour with none of the guilt.

Brief Overview

Sweet and Sour dishes are a staple of Chinese American cuisine. This Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken is easier than you think. It takes about 45 minutes and feeds four hungry mouths.

Main Benefits

This isn't just another Sweet and Sour Dinner . This recipe is packed with protein. It's ideal for a satisfying Easy Chinese Dinner Recipes For Family .

What makes it special? The flavour explosion is unreal, especially when made from scratch.

Craving Asian Meals With Chicken ?

Honestly, I used to be terrified of making Chicken With Sweet And Sour Sauce at home. I thought it was too complicated.

Then I tried this recipe, and oh my gosh, it's a game changer! Now, I make Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe every other week for me and the family.

This Easy Healthy Main Dishes is a much better option than getting Sweet and Sour Chicken Takeaway because you control the ingredients!

This recipe uses pineapple juice for a naturally sweet flavour. The Sweet and Sour Chicken With Pineapple adds a lovely tang that complements the savoury chicken.

For the record, I was skeptical at first, then BOOM!, I was hooked.

Fancy a Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry ? This works perfectly with some added veggies, like snow peas or broccoli florets.

Now, let’s get to the ingredients!

**Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking Sweet and Sour Chicken at Home**

Right, let's talk essentials. You know how some recipes have, like, a million ingredients? This isn't one of those. We're making proper homemade sweet and sour chicken , not attempting molecular gastronomy! This will be a great sweet and sour dinner for all.

Main Ingredients: The Chicken & The Base

Alright, so first things first, the star of the show: chicken. You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed into roughly 1 inch pieces.

Chicken thighs are best here, trust me. They stay lovely and juicy even when fried. Seriously, don't skimp! Aim for chicken with a nice pink color and no weird smells.

Fresh is best, innit?

Then, for the marinade, you'll need 1 large egg, a tablespoon of cornstarch, another tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (the fresh stuff really makes a difference, honestly), ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a ¼ teaspoon of white pepper.

It all helps makes this simple Chinese dinner.

Sauce: Tangy, Sweet, and Utterly Addictive

Now, for the sweet and sour magic! Grab ½ cup (120ml) of pineapple juice. It’s ¼ cup (60ml) of white vinegar (rice vinegar is good too for a milder vibe).

Mix in ¼ cup (50g) of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of ketchup (Heinz, naturally!), and another tablespoon of soy sauce.

Don't forget to dissolve a tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water for thickening. This is the sweet and sour sauce.

And for the veggies? One red bell pepper, one green bell pepper (both chopped), and ½ cup (60g) of pineapple chunks. Fresh or tinned. Dealer's choice!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (Or Not!)

Essential spice combinations? Ginger and garlic, definitely! This sweet and sour chicken stir fry would be nothing without it. Soy sauce adds that umami depth.

For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Flavour enhancers? A tiny splash of sesame oil at the end brightens everything up. As for substitutes? If you're out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Honestly, you don't need much for this. A large bowl for marinating, a shallow dish for breading, and a large skillet or wok for frying is pretty much it.

Oh, and a slotted spoon to rescue the chicken from the hot oil. No fancy gadgets needed here. No need to get stressed out, you will be cooking some easy healthy main dishes!.

If you don't have a wok, a big frying pan will do just fine. It’s not a disaster.

Right, that's the gear sorted. Let's get cooking!

**Mastering the Art of the Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken**

Alright, let's talk sweet and sour chicken . Honestly, who doesn’t love this Asian meal with chicken ? I used to be obsessed with sweet and sour chicken takeaway , but then I realised I could make it even better at home! This recipe is proper easy and healthier.

It makes the easy Chinese dinner recipes for family night a total winner. This homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe is about to blow your mind.

Prep Like a Pro

Mise en Place is Key: Get everything chopped and measured before you even turn on the hob. Seriously, it makes all the difference.
Sauce Station: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Keep it handy. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
Safety First, Init: Remember that oil is HOT. Don't overcrowd the pan, and don't drop chicken in from a great height. Ouch!

Sweet and Sour Chicken: The Foolproof Method

Marinate Magic: Mix chicken with egg, cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Breading Bonanza: Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken.
Golden Fry: Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry chicken in batches for 4- 5 minutes until golden brown.
Drain and Dry: Place fried chicken on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. No one likes a soggy bottom.
Sauce Sensation: Sauté bell peppers and pineapple chunks for 2- 3 minutes .
Sauce Creation: Combine pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce in a bowl.
Thicken Up: Add the sauce mixture to the skillet. Simmer and whisk in cornstarch slurry until thickened.
Mix and Enjoy: Toss fried chicken in the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips for Sweet and Sour Supremacy

Double Fry = Extra Crispy: For that crispy sweet and sour chicken recipe texture, fry the chicken twice!
Taste Test: Adjust the sauce to your liking. More sweet? More sour? Go for it! You know?
make-ahead Magic: You can chop the veggies and mix the sauce a day in advance. It's the perfect solution to the mid-week rush.

This recipe is not only delicious but also offers an easy healthy main dishes option. Imagine this sweet and sour chicken stir fry gracing your dinner table.

It's better than any sweet and sour chicken with pineapple you'll find at a takeaway. I was amazed how close my homecooking got to the chicken with sweet and sour sauce you find in the restaurants.

Why order out when you can create this sweet and sour dinner masterpiece yourself? Honestly, give it a go, and let me know what you think! Cheers.

Recipe Notes: Nailing that Sweet & Sour Chicken

Alright, so you're about to make some proper sweet and aour chicken . Honestly, this homemade sweet and sour chicken is a game changer.

These notes will give you the edge to make it perfect. Let's get you that sweet and sour chicken takeaway experience at home, yeah?

Serving Up a Treat

Think about how you plate it. Get some colour going! Arrange the crispy sweet and sour chicken artfully over a bed of fluffy rice.

Scatter with those lovely green onions and sesame seeds.

Why not serve with a cool drink? An ice-cold beer or some refreshing jasmine tea goes down a treat with this Asian meals with chicken .

Fancy a side? Egg rolls would be fantastic, and some good ol' spring rolls too.

Storing for Later (or Tomorrow's Lunch!)

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Put the chicken with sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It'll be good for 3-4 days .

Don’t even think about freezing. Cooked crispy sweet and sour chicken recipe and sauce tend to get a bit soggy after freezing and thawing.

Unless you want to end up with something reminiscent of slop. Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave it.

Just until it's piping hot.

Tweaking the Recipe (Because We're All Different)

Want a healthier sweet and aour chicken ? Then, bake or air fry the chicken nuggets. You will lower fat content without sacrificing too much crispiness.

It will create easy healthy main dishes !.

You can easily adapt to taste. If you're not a pineapple fan, swap it. Try some mango or peaches to get that sweet and sour chicken with pineapple feel.

Nutritional Nitty Gritty

I'm no dietician, mind you. But, this dish is packed with protein from the chicken. The sauce does have sugar, so keep that in mind if you're watching your intake.

This sweet and sour chicken stir fry provides energy and essential nutrients. Portion control is key, though! It is important to balance the sweet and sour dinner components.

So there you have it! Get in the kitchen and have a go. Don't worry if it isn't perfect the first time.

Every attempt is learning. You will soon discover that creating easy Chinese dinner recipes for family it will be easier than you ever thought.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my sweet and sour chicken batter from getting soggy?

Nobody wants soggy batter! The key is to fry the chicken in hot oil (around 350°F/175°C) and not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Also, make sure to drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and add it to the sauce just before serving.

Can I make this sweet and sour chicken recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some components in advance. The chicken can be marinated for up to an hour, and the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to fry the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

If you have leftovers, the chicken will soften in the sauce, but it will still taste delicious!

What can I substitute if I don’t have pineapple juice for the sweet and sour chicken sauce?

No pineapple juice, no worries! Apple juice makes a great substitute, adding a similar sweetness. You can also use a mix of water and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a tangier flavour. Just remember to adjust the sugar in the sauce to your liking based on the sweetness of your chosen substitute.

Is this homemade sweet and sour chicken healthier than takeaway?

Generally, yes! By making sweet and aour chicken from scratch, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use less oil, reduce the sugar content in the sauce, and choose healthier options.

Plus, you avoid the added preservatives and mysterious ingredients often found in takeaway versions, making it a potentially lighter and more nutritious meal option.

What's the best way to store leftover sweet and sour chicken?

Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. Be aware that the fried chicken will lose some of its crispiness in the sauce.

You can try reheating it in a skillet or oven to crisp it up slightly, but it will never be quite the same as freshly made.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken as a healthier alternative to frying! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

While it won't be quite as crispy as fried chicken, it's a good way to reduce the fat content.