Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious dance of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The vibrant colors of bell peppers and pineapple add to the visual feast, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this delicious main dishes recipe.

This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and the aroma of Sweet and Sour Chicken wafted through the kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish is guaranteed to impress everyone at your table with its delightful flavor explosion. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for dinner recipe.

I still remember the first time I made Sweet and Sour Chicken. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, turning me into the unofficial chef of our group.

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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 based on how many you’re feeding.
• Fresh Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant red and green peppers for both flavor and color; they add a nice crunch.
• Pineapple Chunks: Canned or fresh works well; just ensure they’re juicy for that signature sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile; choose firm cloves for best results.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep control over saltiness while maintaining depth of flavor.
• Brown Sugar: This adds that caramelized sweetness that makes this dish sing; don’t skip it!
• Rice Vinegar: A splash provides essential tanginess; it’s key for achieving that classic sweet and sour balance.
• Cornstarch: Essential for thickening your sauce; mix it with water before adding it to avoid lumps.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for frying; canola oil works well due to its high smoke point.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Chicken: Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper for better flavor absorption as they cook.

Sauté the Garlic and Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in chicken pieces until golden brown.

Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Stir in chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Cook until peppers soften slightly but still retain their crunch—about 3-4 minutes.

Create the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water. This will be your sweet-and-sour magic sauce!

Combine Everything Together: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet over chicken and vegetables. Stir well until everything is evenly coated; cook until sauce thickens—around 2-3 minutes.

Serve Hot Over Rice or Noodles: Once ready, serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over fluffy rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions if you like some extra flair!

This delightful dish is sure to bring smiles around your dinner table! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then stir-fry the veggies while preparing the sauce for a seamless cooking experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for snap peas or add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on medium heat until warmed through, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.

The first time I made Sweet and Sour Chicken, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely had time to take a photo. Their smiles were worth every minute spent cooking!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

What side dishes pair well with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a fulfilling meal.

How do I make Sweet and Sour Chicken spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick!

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: tastyfoodonly
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a vibrant dish that harmonizes tender chicken with a tangy-sweet sauce, enhanced by the crunch of fresh bell peppers and juicy pineapple. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers a delightful flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare, it invites customization to suit any palate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
• 1 cup fresh bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then add chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks; cook for about 3-4 minutes until peppers soften but remain crunchy.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture.
5. Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well until everything is coated and cook until sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).
6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with green onions if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg