Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Families

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red or yellow); 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger root, grated; For the Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp cornstarch

Recipe By:

Emily Harrison

Posted:

August 28, 2025

Updated:

August 28, 2025

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Sweet and sour chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a colorful dance of flavors that brings joy to your taste buds. Picture tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, vibrant sauce, balancing between sweet and tangy like a tightrope walker at a circus! The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and making your stomach growl with anticipation.

This recipe isn’t just about food; it carries memories of family dinners filled with laughter and stories. I remember the first time I made sweet and sour chicken for my friends; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites. It’s perfect for casual weeknights or festive gatherings—any occasion that calls for a splash of excitement on the dinner table. Get ready to experience an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Sweet and sour chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The balance of sweet and tangy flavors will tantalize everyone’s taste buds
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, sure to impress any guest
Plus, it’s versatile enough for serving over rice or noodles!

I vividly recall one evening when my friends devoured this dish so quickly that I barely got a second helping!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Bell Peppers: Brightly colored peppers add sweetness and crunch; red or yellow work best.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned, these juicy bits bring a delightful sweetness to the dish.
Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic for maximum flavor; it adds depth to the sauce.
Ginger Root: Fresh ginger elevates the dish with its warm spice; always grate it finely.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still delivering that umami punch.
Rice Vinegar: This tangy ingredient balances sweetness perfectly; don’t skip it!
Brown Sugar: Adds richness and caramelization; use packed brown sugar for best results.
Ketchup: Yes, you heard right! It adds both sweetness and thickness to our glorious sauce.
Cornstarch: A little goes a long way in thickening our sauce into something luscious!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces and dicing your bell peppers. Mince garlic and grate ginger to get those fragrant aromas flowing as you cook.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. This concoction will be the magic that holds our dish together.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes—until they’re sizzling like they’re at their own party.

Add Aromatics & Veggies: Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger once the chicken is cooked through. Stir in bell peppers and pineapple chunks until everything looks vibrant and smells irresistible.

Pour on the Sauce: Reduce heat slightly before pouring your prepped sauce into the skillet. Stir well until everything is coated beautifully—this should take about 2-3 minutes as it thickens up nicely.

Serve & Enjoy: Once everything is glossy and delicious-looking, serve over a bed of steaming rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy!

Now you have a plateful of sweet and sour chicken that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those fun-filled evenings around the dinner table!

You Must Know

Sweet and sour chicken is not just a flavor bomb; it’s also a comforting dish that balances the tangy and the sweet perfectly
The vibrant colors and delightful aromas make it an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, then sauté until golden brown before adding your sauce for optimal texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out pineapple for mango or adding bell peppers for extra crunch and color. Personalizing the recipe makes it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Keep your chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for maximum flavor impact
Adjust sweetness or acidity levels based on personal preference to make this dish truly yours

Cooking sweet and sour chicken always reminds me of my childhood kitchen, where my mom would whip it up after a long day, filling our home with warmth and love.

FAQs

FAQ

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute tofu or shrimp for a delicious vegetarian or seafood version.

Can I make sweet and sour chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day earlier; just store it properly in the fridge.

How do I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering sauce until desired consistency is reached.

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