Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe in 30 Minutes

Sweet and sour chicken is one of those dishes that dances on your taste buds, offering a playful twist of tangy and sweet flavors. Picture this: golden-brown chicken pieces, lovingly coated in a glossy sauce that glistens like it just walked off a fashion runway. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting you to take a bite and experience a flavor explosion. It’s a dish that practically screams “party” from the moment it lands on your dinner table, ideal for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings with friends.

Every time I whip up sweet and sour chicken, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would serve it after school. The excitement was palpable as we gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating that first bite. This dish is not just about food; it’s about memories, laughter, and sharing good times with loved ones. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again.

I remember the first time I made this dish for friends; their delighted reactions made me feel like a culinary superstar.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are perfect for feeding a family of four with leftovers.

• Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves; they pack the best flavor punch when minced.

• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color and crunch; choose firm ones for the best texture.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple gives a juicy sweetness; canned works in a pinch but lacks freshness.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Rice Vinegar: This adds the necessary tangy kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.

• Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy finish.

• Brown Sugar: Balances out the vinegar’s acidity with its rich sweetness; use packed brown sugar for best results.

• Sesame Oil: One teaspoon elevates the dish with its nutty aroma; don’t skip this step!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preparing your chicken: Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before moving on to method number two.

Next is cooking time: Heat up some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your seasoned chicken cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total.

Now let’s get saucy: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour this glorious mixture into your skillet with the cooked chicken once browned; watch as it thickens into an irresistible glaze!

Add colorful veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks while stirring gently until they’re warmed through. This should take about 5 minutes as everything mingles together nicely.

Finish strong: Serve immediately over fluffy white rice or hearty noodles—your choice! Garnish with sesame seeds if you want to impress even more.

Enjoy every last bite: Take a moment to appreciate how beautiful your creation looks before diving in. Savor each mouthful of sweet and sour goodness!

This recipe brings comfort food to new heights while creating joyous memories around your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken for at least 30 minutes. This builds flavor. Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. Finally, combine everything for a harmonious finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out veggies in the sauce for what you have on hand. Pineapple adds sweetness, while bell peppers bring crunch. Experimenting keeps it exciting and allows you to personalize each batch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for best results, preserving that delightful texture.

Sweet and sour chicken has become my go-to dish whenever I want to impress friends at dinner parties. One time, I served it up, and everyone asked for seconds—definitely a win!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for sweet and sour chicken?

Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating for best results.

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

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

How do I make sweet and sour sauce from scratch?

Combine vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce for a quick homemade version.

Print

Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful culinary experience that brings together tender, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a luscious tangy sauce. This vibrant dish bursts with flavors from fresh pineapple and colorful bell peppers, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe will have everyone at your table craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mix of red and green), chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Pour over the cooked chicken.
3. Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir gently until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
4. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on availability; snap peas or carrots work well. For added heat, consider including red pepper flakes.