This homemade Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce tastes better than takeout, with a healthier twist. The chicken is coated in a deliciously thick sauce, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s light enough for a satisfying meal without the overload of salt and sugar that comes with many restaurant versions. Ideal for a guilt-free cheat meal or a quick, flavorful dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Batter:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into pieces

• 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry

• 2 tbsp olive oil (half for batter, half for frying)

• 1 tsp mild curry powder

• 1 egg, beaten

• Pinch of salt

• 4 oz (100g) cornflour or cornstarch

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• ½ cup pineapple juice or 3 tbsp sugar

• 2 oz (50g) tomato ketchup

• 1 tsp wine vinegar

• Optional: 1 red or green pepper, chopped

• Optional: 1 cup pineapple chunks

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Mix the chicken pieces with rice wine (or dry sherry), half of the olive oil, curry powder, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt. Add the cornflour until the chicken is well-coated.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan. Fry the chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Optionally, sauté some chopped red or green peppers and pineapple chunks to add to the sauce later.

3. Make the Sauce:
   In a saucepan, heat the garlic, pineapple juice (or sugar), tomato ketchup, and wine vinegar, stirring until the sauce thickens and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil.

4. Combine and Serve:
   Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat. Optionally, add the sautéed peppers and pineapple chunks. Serve immediately with rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own.

Nutrients

(For one serving, approximate values)

• Calories: 532.81 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Fat: 28g

• Sugar: 6g

• Fiber: 3g

The Benefits of Making Sweet and Sour Chicken at Home

While takeout is convenient, homemade versions of popular dishes often taste better, fresher, and are far healthier. In this recipe, you control the ingredients, which means you can reduce the sugar and salt content without sacrificing flavor. This makes it a perfect option for anyone seeking a lighter, healthier version of their favorite comfort foods.

The use of chicken breast in this recipe provides a lean protein source, while the sweet and sour sauce, made with natural ingredients like pineapple juice and vinegar, offers the tangy-sweet flavors you love without an overload of artificial additives or excess sugar. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch rather than flour or excessive amounts of sugar, allowing the natural flavors of the pineapple juice and ketchup to shine through. This makes it a perfect option for those looking to cut down on excess sugar or looking for a more mindful way to enjoy their favorite flavors.

The Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce

To achieve the perfect balance of sweet and sour, the ingredients used in both the chicken batter and the sauce play a crucial role. The batter, which coats the chicken pieces before frying, is made with cornstarch, providing a crispy coating that holds the sauce well without being too heavy. The curry powder in the batter adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

The sweet and sour sauce is where the magic happens, combining a mixture of pineapple juice, ketchup, and wine vinegar. These ingredients bring together the necessary balance of tang and sweetness that makes this dish irresistible. The pineapple juice adds a natural sweetness and fruity essence, while the ketchup contributes a rich tomato base. Wine vinegar adds the acidic bite needed to balance the sweetness, making the sauce bright and refreshing.

How to Make the Chicken Batter

The chicken batter is key to getting that crispy texture that’s often missing in lower-fat versions of sweet and sour chicken. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then marinate them in rice wine or dry sherry, olive oil, curry powder, a pinch of salt, and an egg. The marination helps the chicken pieces to absorb flavor and retain moisture while cooking.

Next, coat the chicken pieces with cornflour (cornstarch), which forms a thin crispy shell when fried. Cornstarch helps keep the chicken pieces light and crispy, ensuring that they don’t become soggy when the sauce is added. The cornstarch coating also allows the sauce to stick beautifully to the chicken, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.

Frying the Chicken Pieces to Perfection

The chicken is then fried in olive oil until golden brown on all sides. Olive oil provides a healthier fat option compared to other oils, adding richness without compromising on the overall healthiness of the dish. Be sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent the chicken from becoming crisp and golden. Once fried, the chicken pieces should be crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.

For an extra touch of flavor and texture, you can sauté some red or green peppers and pineapple chunks in the same pan after the chicken is cooked. These vegetables and fruit not only add color and nutrition to the dish but also enhance the sweet and sour sauce when mixed in later.

The Sweet and Sour Sauce

The sweet and sour sauce in this recipe is quick and easy to make, and it packs a punch of flavor. Begin by sautéing garlic in a saucepan, which releases its savory aroma and infuses the sauce with rich, garlicky notes. Then, add pineapple juice (or sugar, if you prefer), tomato ketchup, and wine vinegar. These ingredients will form the base of your sauce, creating that perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

The sauce should be stirred occasionally as it cooks, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken. As the sauce simmers, it will become glossy and rich. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it cook for a few extra minutes, or add a little more cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to pour it over the cooked chicken and stir to coat. The sauce should envelop the chicken pieces, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. At this point, you can also add the sautéed peppers and pineapple chunks, which will contribute additional sweetness, texture, and color to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce is perfect when served with a side of steamed white or brown rice, which helps to balance out the flavors and soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, you could serve it with cauliflower rice or a side of vegetables. If you prefer noodles, this dish also pairs well with stir-fried noodles or soba noodles for a quick, satisfying meal.

While the dish is delicious on its own, you can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few fresh herbs, like cilantro, to give it a final touch. The combination of flavors, from the crispy chicken to the tangy-sweet sauce, ensures that every bite is satisfying and full of texture.

Nutritional Breakdown

This homemade Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 532.81 kcal, with 30g of protein, 27g of carbohydrates, and 28g of fat. The recipe also provides 3g of fiber, which helps support digestive health, and 6g of sugar, which is much lower than many restaurant versions of this dish.

The lean chicken breast provides the protein needed to keep you feeling full and satisfied, while the pineapple juice offers a small amount of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C. The olive oil used for frying is a source of healthy fats, offering anti-inflammatory benefits. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can easily reduce the amount of oil used for frying or switch to a non-stick pan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this homemade Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce is the perfect balance of flavors, offering the sweet and tangy kick you love from takeout, but without the excess salt and sugar. By preparing it yourself, you can enjoy a healthier, guilt-free version of this classic dish, with all the flavor and none of the heavy additives. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for family and friends, this recipe offers a quick, satisfying, and delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its crispy chicken, vibrant sauce, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.