Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4 breasts); 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 3 tbsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); ½ cup ketchup; 1 tsp sesame oil; Salt & pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

October 8, 2025

Updated:

October 8, 2025

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When it comes to sweet and sour chicken, imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy sauce that dances between tangy and sweet. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with promises of a culinary adventure. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for those moments when you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself after a long day.

I still remember my first attempt at making sweet and sour chicken. I was determined to recreate the flavor explosion I enjoyed at my favorite Chinese restaurant. Little did I know, the kitchen would turn into a battlefield of flying cornstarch and splattering sauce. But oh, the joy when my family devoured every last bite! Now, whenever there’s a gathering or just a lazy Sunday, this dish becomes the star of the show.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This sweet and sour chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions

The harmonious blend of flavors will satisfy your craving for something zesty yet comforting
With vibrant colors from fresh veggies, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat

Plus, it’s versatile enough that you can tweak ingredients based on your preferences!

The reactions from my family were priceless when they first tasted my homemade sweet and sour chicken—let’s just say there were no leftovers that night!

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 breasts for optimal juiciness; adjust according to your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: For an aromatic kick—fresh cloves outshine powdered any day!

Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal; they add sweetness and crunch.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned; they bring that iconic sweetness and tang.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness in check while enhancing flavor.

Rice Vinegar: Adds that necessary tang; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for creating that glossy coating on the chicken.
Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity from the vinegar and pineapple beautifully.

Vegetable Oil: Use this for frying; it has a high smoke point which is perfect for cooking.
Green Onions: These are great for garnish—adding freshness and color at the end!

For the Sauce:

Ketchup: Surprisingly essential for that classic sweet and sour flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in adding depth to your dish.

Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors beautifully.

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 chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. This step ensures every piece packs flavor before cooking.

Create Your Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil until smooth. It should smell heavenly—like a party waiting to happen!

Dredge the Chicken: Toss each chicken piece in cornstarch until well-coated. This creates that coveted crispy exterior once cooked—trust me; it’s worth it!

Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Flip them halfway through so they crisp up evenly!

Add Vegetables & Pineapple: Toss bell peppers and pineapple chunks into the pan with cooked chicken. Stir-fry until veggies soften slightly (around 3 minutes). This adds color and texture while infusing those juicy flavors!

Pour in Your Sauce: Finally, pour your prepared sauce over everything in the skillet. Stir gently until everything is well-coated and bubbling (another 2-3 minutes). The aroma should be intoxicating by now—get ready!

Enjoy this delightful dish served over fluffy white rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal experience!

You Must Know

Sweet and sour chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors that will tickle your taste buds

With tender chicken and a tangy sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, bringing joy to any table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then simmer the sauce while cooking rice. This ensures everything finishes at the same time, creating a harmonious dish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu, and add veggies like bell peppers or pineapples. This flexibility lets you cater to your taste and pantry.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet for best texture; avoid microwaving if possible.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To enhance sweet and sour chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking
This adds depth to the flavor profile
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for maximum taste impact

A splash of vinegar at the end brightens all the flavors beautifully

Creating sweet and sour chicken has become my go-to dish when friends visit. The smiles and empty plates tell me I’ve nailed it every time.

FAQs

FAQ

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

Serve with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal experience.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mix a cornstarch slurry with water and stir it into the sauce while cooking.

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