Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about a plate of sweet and sour chicken. The juicy chicken pieces, perfectly coated in that glossy sauce, practically dance on your taste buds. The tangy sweetness mingles with the savory flavors, creating a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. You can practically smell the delightful aroma wafting from the kitchen, promising an explosion of flavor that will make your mouth water.

Every time I whip up my sweet and sour chicken recipe, it takes me back to family gatherings where laughter and love filled the air. The clinking of forks against plates and the chorus of “Yum!” echo through the room as everyone digs in. This dish is perfect for casual dinners, birthday parties, or even just a cozy night in when you crave something deliciously comforting.

I remember one particular dinner when my friend tried this recipe for the first time; her eyes lit up like fireworks! It’s always heartwarming to see people enjoy food made with love.

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 green adds color and crunch; choose firm ones

• Pineapple Chunks: Use fresh or canned for a juicy burst of sweetness in every bite

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness

• Brown Sugar: This gives that classic sweet flavor; light or dark works well

• Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed

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

• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken; use a neutral oil that can withstand high heat

• Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and presentation

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your vegetables and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Chop garlic finely so its aroma fills your kitchen.

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides—about 5 minutes each batch.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. This will be your flavorful sticky sauce.

Add Vegetables: Toss in garlic, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks into the skillet after removing cooked chicken. Stir everything until fragrant—about 2 minutes should do it.

Combine and Simmer: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour sauce over everything; stir gently to coat evenly. Cook until bubbly and thickened—around 3-5 minutes should do.

Serve Hot: Serve your delectable sweet and sour chicken over steaming rice or noodles. Enjoy while it’s hot—because who wants cold food when there’s magic happening right now?

This sweet and sour chicken recipe not only brings joy but also creates moments filled with laughter around the dinner table. So roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to enhance its flavor, then sear it for that golden crust before adding the sauce. This method ensures juicy chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out bell peppers for snap peas or even add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness. Personalizing your dish can create unique flavors tailored to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture and flavor.

Sometimes I whip up this sweet and sour chicken recipe when friends come over, and their smiles say it all! It never fails to impress, turning casual dinners into memorable feasts.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this sweet and sour chicken recipe?

Feel free to use tofu or shrimp as excellent alternatives for a different protein option.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and add it slowly while stirring until desired thickness is reached.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy, glossy sauce. The balance of sweetness from pineapple and the savory notes from soy sauce make each bite a flavor explosion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite vegetables. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed red and green)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown on all sides (about 5 minutes per batch).
3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Remove cooked chicken and add garlic, bell peppers, and pineapple to the skillet; stir until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
5. Return chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, mix gently to coat, and cook until bubbly and thickened (3–5 minutes).
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg