Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites
There’s something magical about Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites , isn’t there?
Whether you’re hosting a game night, whipping up dinner for the fam, or just craving a little snack with big flavor, this recipe is your ticket to happiness.
With a golden, crunchy exterior and a sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every bite, it’s impossible not to fall in love.
Plus, I’ve got some clever shortcuts up my sleeve to make this dish as easy as it is delicious.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and tools before diving in—trust me, it’ll save you time! Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and whisk together your sweet-and-sour sauce in a bowl. Pro tip: Use kitchen shears to trim the chicken quickly!
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. The cornstarch is the secret to achieving that crispy, golden crust we all crave. Shake off any excess coating before frying—it keeps things light and airy.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden Brown
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken bites in batches. You want them to turn a deep golden brown while staying juicy inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give each piece room to crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. The aroma will have your whole kitchen smelling like a restaurant—you won’t believe how simple it is!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is fried to perfection, toss it gently in the sweet-and-sour sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and texture. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Pro Tips
- Double the sauce: Extra sauce is perfect for drizzling over rice or saving for another batch of chicken bites later.
- Use a thermometer: Keep your frying oil at 350°F (175°C) for consistent results.
- Prep ahead: Cut the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients the night before to save time.
- Air fry option: For a lighter version, air fry the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add veggies: Toss bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or onions into the sauce for extra flair.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispiness.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked chicken bites (coated but not fried) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
- Sauce separately: Keep the sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Warm it gently on the stovetop when ready to use.
Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites
Description
These Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites are perfectly crunchy, tangy, and sweet—all made with simple pantry staples. They’re quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
Slurry :
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the mixture until evenly coated.
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Fry the chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken bites in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Make the sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
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Combine and serve:
Toss the fried chicken bites in the sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Double the recipe if feeding a larger crowd—it disappears fast!
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
