Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken

Craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both tangy and savory but without the hassle? Homemade sweet and sour chicken without pineapple is the perfect solution! This easy-to-make recipe swaps out the pineapple but still captures the vibrant, sweet-and-sour flavor profile everyone loves. Using simple ingredients like ginger, scallions, and a homemade sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, you can enjoy a healthier and just-as-tasty version of this classic favorite right at home.

The process is straightforward and doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. Start by cooking your chicken in crispy batter until golden brown, and then toss it in a quick stir-fry sauce made with basic pantry staples. The dish is customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables like red peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for added crunch and color. Whether you're serving it over steamed rice or enjoying it as a stand-alone dish, this easy sweet and sour chicken is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

Best of all, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor. By leaving out the pineapple, you’ll skip the extra sweetness, but the dish remains perfectly balanced with the tangy sauce and crispy chicken. Quick, healthy, and delicious, this homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings with minimal effort and maximum taste!

Serves: 4 people

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts, patted dry and cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1-1/2 tablespoon butter

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Sauce

  • 3 minced garlic cloves

  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger

  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar distilled

  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste

  • 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce

  • 4 scallions diced

DIRECTIONS - CHICKEN

1. Press chicken into flour on both sides and gently shake off excess flour.

2. Heat butter and oil in a pan and once fully heated and almost sizzling place chicken into the pan.

3. Cook chicken thoroughly; which is about 4-5 minutes per side.

4. Once cooked coat chicken with sauce in your hot pan and serve warm with rice or vegetables.

DIRECTIONS - SAUCE

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, if you want a more consistent textured sauce add all ingredients to a food processor.

2. Once the chicken is done, add the sauce to the chicken pan and allow it to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.

TIP: You can just cook the chicken with no breading for a bit of a healthier option

ENJOY!