Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Dinner

The aroma of sizzling chicken wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the tangy sweetness of a homemade sauce, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This sweet and sour chicken recipe promises to deliver that delightful punch of flavor that can brighten any weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering.

Growing up, my family had a tradition of making this dish every Sunday. It was our way of welcoming the week ahead, and I still remember my little brother trying to sneak bites before it was even served. The anticipation and excitement were palpable, and now it brings me joy to share this cherished recipe with you.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their reactions ranged from disbelief at how good it tasted to outright begging for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves to ensure a robust flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds zest; if using canned, choose those packed in juice for best flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still imparting that rich umami flavor.

• Brown Sugar: This balances the tanginess with its deep caramel notes; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.

• Rice Vinegar: Essential for that classic tangy kick; it’s the secret ingredient in many Asian dishes.

• Cornstarch: Use it as a thickening agent for your sauce; it’ll give you that glossy finish.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and color; it’s a surprising yet essential ingredient in this recipe!

• Sesame Oil: A splash at the end gives a lovely nuttiness that elevates the overall flavor profile.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare your taste buds because we’re diving into some culinary magic!

Prep Your Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Create Your Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. The mixture should feel syrupy—a perfect blend of sweet and sour.

Sauté Your Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown—around 5-7 minutes—while enjoying the sizzling sounds.

Add Vegetables & Pineapple: Toss in diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks into the skillet with your chicken. Sauté them together until the peppers are tender but still vibrant—about 3-4 minutes more.

Pour In The Sauce & Simmer: Now pour your beautifully prepared sauce over everything in the skillet. Stir well, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Let it simmer until thickened—about 3-5 minutes—filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Serve It Up!: Finally, serve your sweet and sour chicken over fluffy rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy!

With each step completed successfully, you’ve crafted a delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor. Sear it until golden brown, then toss in the sauce for a delicious glaze.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pineapple for mango or add some bell peppers for extra crunch. Personalize it to your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Sometimes, I whip up this sweet and sour chicken when friends come over—it never fails to impress! Their joy reminds me why I love cooking.

FAQ

How do I make my sweet and sour sauce thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry during cooking to achieve your desired thickness.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

What sides pair well with sweet and sour chicken?

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables in a tangy, homemade sauce. This easy recipe captures the essence of Asian cuisine, bringing a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sauté chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. Add bell peppers and pineapple; cook until peppers are tender (3-4 minutes).
5. Pour sauce over the chicken mixture; stir to coat and simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes).
6. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg