Craving that perfect balance of tangy and sweet? This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is just what you need! With crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce made from simple pantry staples, it’s a delicious and easy dish you can whip up any night of the week. Tossed with colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks, this meal is as vibrant as it is tasty. Serve it over steamed rice for a quick dinner that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Chicken
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy nights. It’s quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a taste explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it over rice for a complete meal. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a fantastic Sweet and Sour Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They’re tender and absorb flavors beautifully.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color and crunch. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies!
Pineapple Chunks: Canned or fresh, they bring that signature sweetness and tropical flair.
Onion: A sweet onion or yellow onion adds depth to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic goodness.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: You can use store-bought or make your own with vinegar, sugar, and ketchup for that perfect balance.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory umami kick that complements the sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken, a neutral oil like canola or peanut works well.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding cashews or sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. If you’re short on time, pre-cut veggies can save you some prep work. Exact quantities for each ingredient are available at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and soak up all those flavors. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of soy sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference in taste!
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a bowl, combine equal parts of vinegar and sugar to create that classic sweet and tangy flavor. Add ketchup for richness and soy sauce for depth. Whisk everything together until smooth. If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This sauce is the heart of your Sweet and Sour Chicken, so make sure it’s balanced just right. Taste it and adjust as needed.
*For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while simmering.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. You want that nice sear for flavor! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some minced garlic during the last minute for an aromatic boost.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sweet and sour sauce over it. Add in your bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The sauce will thicken slightly, creating a luscious coating. Serve it hot, and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success
Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking. Taste as you go!
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
To make it crispy, coat chicken in cornstarch before frying.
Equipment Needed
Large Skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders, but any large pan will do.
Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your chicken and veggies.
Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes cutting chicken a breeze.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing your sweet and sour sauce.
Measuring Cups: Handy for precise ingredient measurements.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist. They soak up the sauce beautifully!
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a healthier alternative.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits like mango or peaches for a unique sweet flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair with a colorful stir-fried vegetable medley for added nutrition.
Drinks: A chilled iced tea or a light beer complements the flavors perfectly.
Garnish: Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
FAQs about Sweet and Sour Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and seasoning. Frozen chicken can be a convenient option when you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for the sweet and sour sauce? If you don’t have sweet and sour sauce on hand, a mix of honey, vinegar, and ketchup can work in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What sides pair well with Sweet and Sour Chicken? This dish goes great with steamed rice, fried rice, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with spring rolls for a fun twist!
Final Thoughts
Cooking Sweet and Sour Chicken is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. The amazing colors and delightful aromas fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather and share stories. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings joy and satisfaction. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
A delicious sweet and sour chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder (recommended)
1 tbsp soy sauce (recommended, for marinating)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
¼ cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
¼ cup sugar
3 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch (recommended, for thickening)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (recommended, for heat)
Vegetables and Add-ins:
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
½ medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, and recommended garlic powder or soy sauce. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while you prep the sauce and veggies.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). For a thicker sauce, mix in cornstarch. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking.
Add Veggies & Pineapple: Stir in chopped bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Combine & Simmer: Pour the sauce over everything. Stir to coat and let simmer for 5–8 minutes, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Serve: Serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
Want a vegetarian version? Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
For meal prep, store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.
To make it crispy, coat chicken in cornstarch before frying.
