Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe to Delight You

The moment you walk into a kitchen filled with the sweet and sour chicken recipe wafting through the air, your heart skips a beat. Picture tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, glistening like jewels under the kitchen lights. The aroma dances between zesty pineapple and tangy soy sauce, wrapping you in a warm embrace that makes your stomach growl with anticipation.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you to family gatherings where laughter and stories flow as freely as the soy sauce. Whether you’re celebrating a cozy night in or throwing a dinner party, this sweet and sour chicken recipe promises to evoke delightful memories while tantalizing your taste buds with its vibrant flavors.

Every time I serve this dish, my friends rave about how delicious it is; their faces light up like kids in a candy store.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for tender bites that soak up flavor wonderfully.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple adds a sweet burst that balances the savory elements perfectly.

• Bell Peppers: Choose red and green for color; they bring both crunch and sweetness to the dish.

• Onion: A medium onion enhances the flavor profile—opt for yellow or white for the best results.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves offer a robust aroma and depth; don’t skimp on these!

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Brown Sugar: This adds the perfect hint of sweetness to balance out the tangy sauce.

• Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

• Cornstarch: Use this as a thickener for that enticing glossy finish we all crave!

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for culinary adventure because we’re diving into this mouthwatering sweet and sour chicken recipe!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes should do.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken: Remove veggies from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add marinated chicken pieces in one layer. Cook until golden brown on each side—around 6-8 minutes total.

Step 4: Create the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice (from canned pineapple), and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over cooked chicken.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together: Return sautéed vegetables along with pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir everything together until well-coated—cook for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.

Step 6: Serve Hot!: Serve your sweet and sour chicken over fluffy rice or noodles! Garnish with sesame seeds for that extra touch of elegance!

Now that you’ve mastered this delicious sweet and sour chicken recipe, prepare yourself for compliments from family and friends! Enjoy every bite of that succulent goodness as you relish both flavors and moments created around your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for a crispy exterior, then prepare the sauce while it cooks. This method ensures your dish is flavorful and beautifully presented without extra stress.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with pineapple chunks or bell peppers for a twist on flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey to suit your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture, avoiding microwave pitfalls that can make it soggy.

There was this one time my friend claimed he could make better sweet and sour chicken than me. Spoiler alert: his kitchen ended up looking like a crime scene, while mine was filled with compliments and empty plates!

FAQ

Can I make this sweet and sour chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately until ready to cook.

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

White rice, fried rice, or noodles complement this dish beautifully, enhancing its flavors.

How do I achieve a crispy texture for my chicken?

Coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying for an extra crunch that everyone loves.

Print

Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. This easy recipe brings together the zesty sweetness of pineapple and tangy soy sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar in a bowl. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Cook the chicken: Remove vegetables from the skillet. In the same skillet, add marinated chicken in one layer. Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 6-8 minutes).
4. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice (from canned pineapple), and cornstarch until smooth. Pour over cooked chicken.
5. Combine: Return sautéed vegetables and pineapple to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles; garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added crunch, coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying. Experiment with additional veggies like snap peas or carrots for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.