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
- 1–2 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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