Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe in 30 Minutes

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp brown sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

January 5, 2026

Updated:

January 5, 2026

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Sweet and sour chicken is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its delightful contrast of flavors. Imagine crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, tangy sauce that dances between sweet and savory, leaving you craving more with every bite. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising an explosion of flavor that makes your mouth water in anticipation.

Every time I make sweet and sour chicken, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter filled the air alongside the sizzling sounds from the stovetop. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, with bright colors and enticing aromas that spark joy and conversation. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this recipe never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This sweet and sour chicken recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Its vibrant colors and aromatic flavors will wow your guests at any gathering
You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences, ensuring everyone loves it

Enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken paired with a tangy sauce that hits all the right notes

I still chuckle when I recall my friend’s face after tasting my first attempt at sweet and sour chicken; he thought it was takeout!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they add a lovely depth to the dish.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for visual appeal; they also contribute sweetness and crunch.
Pineapple Chunks: Opt for fresh pineapple if possible; it adds a juicy burst of sweetness that complements the sauce beautifully.

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control saltiness while still delivering umami flavor.
Rice Vinegar: This ingredient balances sweetness with acidity; choose unseasoned for authenticity.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce while giving chicken a crispy texture when coated before frying.

Brown Sugar: Adds richness and caramel notes; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Vegetable Oil: For frying; this oil has a high smoke point which is ideal for achieving crispy chicken.
Sesame Seeds (optional): A lovely garnish that adds crunch and nuttiness; sprinkle them on just before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before moving on.

Create Your Coating Mixture : In one bowl, whisk together cornstarch and some water until smooth. This will create a light batter that helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior once fried.

Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes total.

Make the Sauce : In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic minced finely, and pineapple juice until combined well. This will be your tangy sweet-sour magic potion.

Add Vegetables and Pineapple : Toss in chopped bell peppers along with pineapple chunks into your skillet after removing cooked chicken. Stir-fry until vibrant colors shine through—about 3-4 minutes should do.

Combine Everything Together : Add fried chicken back into the skillet along with prepared sauce mixture. Cook briefly until everything is heated thoroughly—this should only take another minute or two as aromas fill your kitchen!

Now grab some bowls of steamed rice or noodles! Serve hot while relishing those amazing flavors mingling together beautifully.

Enjoy creating incredible memories over this delightful sweet and sour chicken recipe!

You Must Know

Mastering sweet and sour chicken is easier than you think!
This dish balances tangy and sweet flavors while providing a delightful crunch
The combination of fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist

Serve with rice for a complete meal, and watch it disappear!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the ultimate sweet and sour chicken, begin by marinating the chicken pieces, then pan-fry them until golden brown. While they cook, prepare your sauce and vegetables to ensure everything comes together seamlessly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out bell peppers for pineapple or add some spice with red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through; avoid using the microwave to maintain texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Achieving the perfect balance of flavors in sweet and sour chicken takes practice
Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or vinegar based on your liking

Fresh ingredients can elevate your dish significantly, ensuring vibrant colors and textures
Don’t skip the marinating step; it enhances flavor beautifully!

When I first attempted sweet and sour chicken, my friends declared it was “so good I’d be banned from takeout!” Their enthusiasm reminded me how much home cooking can shine when you nail a classic recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

What is the best way to marinate the chicken?

Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables are convenient but may alter texture slightly when cooked.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry to your sauce while it’s simmering for a thicker consistency.

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