Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe in 30 Minutes

There’s something magical about biting into tender chicken coated in a glossy sweet and sour sauce. The flavors dance on your palate, provoking an explosion of tangy and sweet notes that beckon you for just one more bite. Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, and the aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug, instantly brightening your mood.

This sweet and sour chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that takes you back to family dinners where laughter mingled with the clinking of plates. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish promises to be the star of the show, leaving everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.

Sometimes I make this dish when friends drop by unexpectedly, and their faces light up as they take that first bite—it’s priceless!

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 adjust based on how many guests you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor impact; don’t skimp on freshness here!

• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color and sweetness; look for firm ones to ensure crunch.

• Pineapple Chunks: Use fresh pineapple if possible; it adds a juicy sweetness that canned lacks.

• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced without overwhelming saltiness.

• Brown Sugar: This will lend a rich sweetness; avoid any hard lumps by storing properly.

• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce—keep some on hand; it’s magic in the kitchen!

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like canola works best for frying without altering flavors.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It might sound odd, but it brings out both sweetness and richness in flavors.

• Rice Vinegar: Provides that tangy kick; don’t substitute with other vinegars as they can change the taste dramatically.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly while soaking up that delightful sauce.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and then toss in your chicken pieces.

Cook Until Golden Brown: Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and fully cooked through—this should take around 5-7 minutes.

Add Colorful Veggies and Pineapple: Toss in sliced bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry until the veggies are tender-crisp—around 3-4 minutes will do.

Create That Saucy Goodness: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour over your chicken mixture while stirring continuously until bubbly—this takes about 2-3 minutes.

Serve it Up!: Once everything is nicely coated in sauce and slightly thickened, remove from heat. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal experience that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Enjoy this sweet and sour chicken recipe with friends or family because nothing says “I care” quite like home-cooked comfort food!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, then fry until crispy before adding veggies and sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp, and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

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

Sometimes, I whip up this sweet and sour chicken on busy weeknights, and my kids devour it! Their smiles make all the chopping worth it.

FAQ

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

Absolutely! Just thaw it completely before marinating for best results.

How can I thicken the sauce in my sweet and sour chicken recipe?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while cooking.

What side dishes pair well with sweet and sour chicken?

Serve it with jasmine rice or steamed broccoli for a complete meal experience.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a glossy sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe promises to impress with its bold flavors and eye-catching colors. In just a short time, you can recreate this classic favorite that will leave your loved ones asking for more.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red and green), sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (preferably fresh)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked (5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking until veggies are tender-crisp (3-4 minutes).
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour over the chicken mixture while stirring continuously until bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 660mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 70mg