Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

October 8, 2025

Updated:

October 8, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sweet and sour chicken is like a party on your plate, with its tangy sauce that dances around the tender chicken. The vibrant colors make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat, creating an irresistible blend of flavors that tickle your taste buds. Imagine biting into succulent pieces of chicken coated in a glossy sauce, with a hint of sweetness and a flavorful kick that balances everything out.

This dish isn’t just about taste; it brings back fond memories of family dinners where laughter and stories filled the air. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight meal or impressing guests on game day, this sweet and sour chicken recipe is guaranteed to elevate any occasion. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This sweet and sour chicken recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze

The balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy
Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests or family alike

This dish is versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even as a filling for wraps

I remember the first time I made this dish—my family couldn’t stop raving about it! They were convinced I had taken cooking lessons from a gourmet chef.

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 the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Fresh Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for visual appeal; they add crunch and sweetness.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works great; they provide that signature sweetness in the sauce.
Onion: Use one medium onion for depth of flavor; yellow onions work best here.

Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor; chop finely for maximum impact.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness in your dish.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick; don’t substitute with regular vinegar as it’s too harsh.
Brown Sugar: Sweetness balances out the vinegar’s acidity; light brown sugar works wonderfully.

Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It adds color and depth to the sauce while enhancing sweetness.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening your sauce—mix with water before adding it in!

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

Let’s Make it together

**Prep Your Chicken**: Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper—this builds flavor right from the start.

**Sauté Those Aromatics**: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

**Cook the Chicken**: Toss in your seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Sauté until they turn golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick!

**Whisk Up the Sauce**: While waiting for the chicken to cook, grab a bowl and whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and cornstarch mixed with water until smooth.

**Add Veggies & Sauce**: Once your chicken is cooked through, add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks into the skillet. Pour your prepared sauce over everything—give it a good stir!

**Simmer & Serve**: Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully while all those flavors meld together—serve hot over rice or noodles!

Now you have one fantastic sweet and sour chicken recipe that not only satiates cravings but also warms hearts! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish with those you love most!

You Must Know

This delightful sweet and sour chicken recipe combines savory flavors with a tangy twist
The vibrant colors and aromas create an irresistible dish that will impress family and friends
Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while preparing your sauce to save time. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then add veggies and sauce for a perfectly balanced dish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or add pineapple for extra sweetness. You can even try different sauces for unique flavor profiles.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain texture and flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure you cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking
Using fresh ingredients elevates flavor, so don’t skimp!

Adjust sweetness and acidity levels according to personal taste preference for a customized experience

Cooking this sweet and sour chicken always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone digs in with gusto, sharing laughs and second helpings.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this sweet and sour chicken recipe?

While it’s best to use fresh chicken, you can thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking.

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

White rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables make excellent sides for this dish.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry while cooking; it thickens the sauce beautifully without altering flavor.

0 Shares