Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet and sour chicken is a dish that dances on your taste buds, with its tangy sauce glistening like a jewel. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky-sweet glaze, complemented by the crunch of fresh vegetables. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and promising a delightful meal.

This sweet and sour chicken recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and plates were piled high. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions when you want to impress without too much fuss. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Sharing this dish at our last family dinner had everyone raving about how delicious it was, and the kids couldn’t get enough!

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 peppers for added visual appeal; they add crunch and sweetness.

• Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the dish; I recommend yellow or white onions for their mild flavor.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness; canned works too if you’re in a pinch.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a savory punch; don’t even think about using powdered garlic here!

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness; light or dark brown sugar works equally well.

• Rice Vinegar: Provides that essential tanginess; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.

• Cornstarch: Use this to thicken up your sauce so it clings beautifully to everything.

• Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and balance the sauce consistency; you’ll need just enough!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces, then dice your bell peppers and onion. Drain the pineapple if you’re using canned chunks.

Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk until smooth; this will be your magical glaze.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn golden brown, around 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers while stirring frequently. Cook until they soften slightly—about 3-4 minutes—and start smelling heavenly.

Add Pineapple & Sauce: Mix in those vibrant pineapple chunks along with your prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly; watch as it thickens beautifully within minutes.

Serve Hot: Remove from heat once everything looks glossy and delicious. Serve over steamed rice or noodles—whatever makes your heart sing!

Now you have a delightful sweet and sour chicken that will make any dinner feel like a special occasion! Enjoy every bite as you soak in compliments from friends or family who can’t get enough of this crowd-pleaser!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for extra flavor, then sear it before adding the sauce for best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pineapple with mango or add bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat until warmed through.

Sharing my first attempt at this sweet and sour chicken recipe brings back memories of a kitchen disaster that turned into a family favorite.

FAQ

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Frozen chicken works, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for even results.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, simmer it longer or add cornstarch mixed with water during cooking.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds with its sticky glaze and vibrant vegetables. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, promising a crowd-pleasing meal that brings family and friends together. Enjoy tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sauce paired with colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

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Instructions

1. Chop chicken, bell peppers, onion, and drain pineapple if using canned.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces; season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in onion and bell peppers; cook until slightly softened (3-4 minutes).
5. Mix in pineapple chunks and sauce. Stir until thickened (about 3 minutes).
6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg