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Close-up of a delicious sweet and sour chicken dish served in a white bowl, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, accompanied by vibrant red and green bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. The dish is surrounded by small bowls of soy sauce, sesame seeds, and steamed jasmine rice on a rustic wooden table, with natural lighting enhancing the freshness and warmth of the presentation

Sweet and Sour Chicken


  • Author: Chef Ali
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe is a 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines juicy chicken, crispy vegetables, and a homemade sweet-and-tangy sauce for a dish that’s healthier and tastier than takeout. Serve it with rice for a complete meal!


Ingredients

Scale

 

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 tablespoons oil, for cooking

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 cup bell peppers, mixed colors, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • ¼ cup vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, for thickening

Optional Add-Ons:

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil, for extra flavor

Instructions

 

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:

    • Cut the chicken into cubes and season with salt and pepper.
    • Chop the bell peppers, onion, and pineapple.
    • Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Cook the Chicken:

    • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
    • Remove and set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

    • Add a little more oil if needed.
    • Stir-fry the onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
    • Add pineapple chunks and cook for another minute.
  4. Combine Everything:

    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
    • Pour the sauce over and stir well.
    • Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies.
  5. Serve & Enjoy:

    • Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
    • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course, Asian-Inspired
  • Cuisine: Chinese, Asian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 300-400 kcal
  • Sugar: 15-20g
  • Sodium: 800-1000mg
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50g
  • Fiber: 3-5g
  • Protein: 30g

Keywords: Sweet and Sour Chicken