Sweet and sour chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken that are typically battered, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a vibrant, tangy, and sweet sauce. The sauce is characteristically made from a combination of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, often with chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and onions.

🍳 View the full Sweet and sour chicken recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

As a fried protein component, this dish is generally high in fat and carbohydrates from the batter and the sugary sauce, with a moderate amount of protein from the chicken. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, making it a more indulgent meal option.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	20 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	780 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	50 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	80 mcg
Niacin (B3)	5 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Selenium	20 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, sweet and sour chicken is a quintessential example of Westernized Chinese cuisine, adapted to suit local palates with its pronounced sweetness and crispy texture. The cooking technique of deep-frying the protein before saucing it is a key feature that provides a satisfying textural contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender chicken inside.