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Sweet and Sour Chicken: Easy Recipe to Try Tonight!


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  • Author: Aaliyah
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

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.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg