SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN with Onions, flavorful thighs to make quickly in a pan or air fryer, a perfect main course for lunch or dinner without soy sauce.
The sweet and sour chicken with onions is an easy and quick main course, with an intense yet delicate flavor, perfect for both lunch and dinner. A recipe inspired by Asian cuisine, but with a Mediterranean touch: instead of the classic soy sauce, I used simple ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and sweet onions, making the dish suitable for everyone, even children.
You can easily prepare it in a pan or air fryer, using chicken thighs, but chunks or drumsticks are also fine. The caramelized onions in the sweet and sour sauce become a perfect and flavorful side dish that complements the meat.
The result is a dish that is flavorful, light, oven-free, and without frying, perfect for those seeking an alternative idea to regular chicken. Serve it with a side of rice, potatoes, or bread to enjoy all the delicious sauce.
Join me in the kitchen today there’s sweet and sour chicken.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 red onion
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or 1 tablespoon honey)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or soy sauce)
- 1 oz ketchup (or tomato paste)
Steps
Place the thighs in the air fryer basket, without overlapping them, and cook at 375°F for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to brown evenly.
Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté the sliced red onion with a drizzle of oil.
Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, and ketchup, and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring until you get a thick and glossy sauce.
Add a little water if the sauce is too thick and combine the chicken thighs.
Cook for another 5 minutes, turning them, or, if not using an air fryer, cook the thighs for 25 minutes, turning them and adding a bit of water during low heat cooking.
Bon appétit
If you like the recipe click on the stars at the bottom of the article. THANK YOU!
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN with Onions
New: subscribe to my WhatsApp channel
FOLLOW ME ON TELEGRAM ENABLE NOTIFICATIONS
FOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK
FOLLOW ARTE IN CUCINA ON INSTAGRAM
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN with Onions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can also use chicken breast cut into cubes, but be careful with the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
Is the air fryer mandatory?
No, you can easily cook the chicken in a pan, and it will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
This recipe doesn’t include it, but if you want a more oriental flavor, you can add a teaspoon of sweet soy sauce or tamari.
What type of onions is best to use?
I recommend red Tropea onions, but also white or golden ones that become sweet when cooked.
Can I prepare sweet and sour chicken in advance?
Yes, you can even prepare it the day before. Resting helps to intensify the flavors, and the chicken will remain tender.

