Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe to Wow You

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a dish that dances on your taste buds, combining the tangy zing of pineapple with the savory delight of chicken. Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a glossy sauce that glimmers like treasure under the kitchen lights, promising a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and savory. For more inspiration, check out this main dishes recipes.

The first whiff as the chicken sizzles in the pan is pure culinary magic, instantly whisking you away to a vibrant Asian bazaar filled with tempting aromas. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or when you just need a little culinary pick-me-up after a long day. Get ready to dive into a bowl of colorful goodness that’s sure to impress!

I remember serving this Sweet and Sour Chicken at my friend’s potluck dinner last year. It vanished faster than I could say “seconds, please!” For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for dinner recipe.

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 Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and yellow adds color and sweetness; choose firm ones without blemishes
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works; opt for chunks in juice for better flavor
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
• Rice Vinegar: This gives the dish its signature tang; look for unseasoned varieties
• Brown Sugar: It balances the sourness and adds depth; light or dark sugar both work well
• Cornstarch: Essential for thickening your sauce; make sure it’s not clumpy before using
• Vegetable Oil: For frying; use something neutral like canola or peanut oil

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: A key ingredient that contributes sweetness and color; choose your favorite brand
• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds amazing depth; use sparingly as it has strong flavor

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop garlic finely, slice bell peppers into strips, and gather all your ingredients to streamline cooking.

Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside while you prepare the other elements.

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do.

Add Vegetables: Toss in garlic and bell peppers once the chicken is done. Stir-fry everything together until fragrant and bell peppers are slightly tender—around 3-4 minutes works wonders.

Add Pineapple & Sauce: Mix in pineapple chunks followed by your prepared sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every piece beautifully—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

Serve with Style: Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over fluffy white rice or noodles for an irresistible meal that looks as good as it tastes! Enjoy every mouthful!

With each step taken towards creating this delightful dish, you’ll find yourself more excited about serving up a plate full of Sweet and Sour Chicken that’s bursting with flavors and memories waiting to happen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor. Sear it in a hot pan until golden brown, then toss in your veggies and sauce for a quick finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out bell peppers for pineapple or add some spicy chili flakes for a kick. Experimenting can lead to unique variations that spark joy at dinner!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Cooking this dish reminds me of my first attempt, which ended with me wearing more sauce than I got onto the plate! Friends still tease me about it, but now they cheer when I whip up this flavorful classic.

FAQ

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute tofu, shrimp, or even pork for a different twist.

How do I make Sweet and Sour Chicken less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the sauce or add more vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

What should I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Sweet and Sour Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, tangy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers in a glossy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will excite your taste buds. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and slice the bell peppers.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
4. Add garlic and bell peppers to the skillet; stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
5. Mix in pineapple chunks followed by the prepared sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg