Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Everyone

Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that dances on your taste buds, combining the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the glistening sauce make it not just a meal but an experience that tantalizes all your senses.

I remember the first time I served sweet and sour chicken at a family gathering. My aunt, who usually turns her nose up at anything remotely resembling “fusion,” dove right in. The smiles around the table were priceless, and I knew this recipe was a keeper for future celebrations.

Sharing this dish with friends led to some memorable reactions, especially when they discovered how easy it was to make.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, trimmed well for the best texture.

• Red Bell Pepper: Look for firm peppers; their sweetness enhances the dish’s flavor.

• Green Bell Pepper: A little crunch and color contrast makes it visually appealing.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works; just ensure they’re juicy for the best sweetness.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to maintain control over saltiness.

• Rice Vinegar: This adds that necessary tang; don’t skimp on quality here.

• Cornstarch: Essential for thickening your sauce to create that glossy finish.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings aroma and depth; avoid pre-minced versions if possible.

• Ginger Root: Grate fresh ginger for warmth and zing in every bite.

• Sugar: Use brown sugar for extra richness and caramel notes in your sauce.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools; you want everything at your fingertips.

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor during cooking.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger once the chicken is nearly cooked through. Sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute—allowing those heavenly aromas to waft through your kitchen.

Mix Your Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth; this mixture will create that signature sweet-and-sour glaze we all love.

Add Veggies & Pineapple: Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet with chicken. Pour in your sauce mixture and stir well, allowing everything to cook together for about 5-10 minutes until veggies soften slightly.

Serve & Enjoy!: Once everything is bubbling gloriously together, remove from heat. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

This sweet and sour chicken recipe will elevate any dinner table while being easy enough to whip up on weeknights!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while prepping vegetables, then sear the chicken for that golden brown finish before adding the sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the veggies or add some pineapple for extra sweetness. You can also use different proteins like shrimp or tofu.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Sometimes, while cooking this dish, I can hear my family’s laughter from the dining room, eagerly anticipating their favorite meal!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this sweet and sour chicken recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.

What should I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

Serve it over rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.

How long does it take to cook sweet and sour chicken?

It typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Sweet and sour chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet notes. With tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Bursting with colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying complete meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Prep the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized chunks and seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes) and cooked through.
3. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple to the skillet; pour in the sauce mixture and stir well.
6. Cook together for about 5-10 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins like shrimp or tofu. For extra sweetness, add more pineapple.