Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Garlic Rice
Here’s a full, delicious recipe for Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Garlic Rice — perfectly golden chicken coated in a tangy glaze, served over fragrant garlicky rice. This is a better-than-takeout combo that’s oven-friendly and super satisfying.
Total time
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: ~1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1½ lbs (680g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp oil (for searing)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
½ cup sugar
¼ cup ketchup
½ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
Optional: 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha for heat
Veggies (optional but recommended)
1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red/yellow/green)
½ cup pineapple chunks
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
Garlic Rice
1 ½ cups jasmine or basmati rice
3 cups water or broth
1 tbsp olive oil
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
Salt to taste
1 scallion, finely sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Crisp the Chicken
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Toss chicken in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs.
4. Sear chicken in batches in a skillet with oil until golden (2–3 min/side).
5. Transfer browned chicken to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Sauce
1. Whisk together sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze.
3. Pour sauce over chicken. Add veggies and pineapple if using.
4. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring once halfway.
3. Make the Garlic Rice
1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until golden and fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Add rice and stir to toast for 1–2 minutes.
3. Pour in water or broth, add salt, bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (or according to rice instructions).
5. Fluff with a fork and top with sliced scallions.
To Serve
Spoon garlic rice into bowls or plates.
Top with sweet and sour chicken and glaze.
Garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Chef’s Tips
Double the sauce if you like it extra sticky and glossy.
Add broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for more color and crunch.
Use day-old rice for a quicker, fried-style garlic rice option.
Nutritional information
Calories: ~520
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 2g