Ultimate Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – Delightful Flavor!

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red and green), diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Recipe By:

Emily Harrison

Posted:

September 5, 2025

Updated:

September 5, 2025

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Sweet and sour chicken is like a party in your mouth, where tangy meets sweet in the most delightful way. Imagine tender chicken pieces dancing in a glossy, vibrant sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of zing. This dish doesn’t just tantalize your taste buds; it wraps you in a warm, comforting embrace that makes you feel at home.

I can still remember the first time I attempted this sweet and sour chicken recipe. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I made it for my family as a surprise. The delighted faces and the chorus of “Yum!” wafting through the air were better than any Michelin star review. This dish has become our go-to whenever we want to celebrate—or when we’re just really hungry!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The sweet and sour chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Its flavor profile balances sweetness with tanginess, creating an irresistible taste that everyone loves
The colorful presentation makes it visually stunning on any dinner table
It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even veggies!

One memorable evening, I served this dish at a family gathering, and everyone kept asking for seconds—definitely a win in my cooking book!

Recipe preparation

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 according to how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they really elevate the dish.
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green peppers for color and crunch; they add freshness to the meal.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple adds sweetness and acidity; don’t skip this essential ingredient!

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth and sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
Rice Vinegar: Adds that tangy kick that makes the sauce shine; it’s crucial for balance in flavors.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce; it ensures that every bite is coated perfectly.

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. Dice bell peppers into colorful squares while you channel your inner chef—it’s quite therapeutic! Make sure everything is ready before starting.

Marinate That Chicken!: In a bowl, mix soy sauce with minced garlic and cornstarch. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them marinate for about 20 minutes. You’ll smell deliciousness already—imagine that aroma filling your kitchen.

Sauté Away!: Heat some oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (you want that sizzle!), add your marinated chicken. Cook until golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes will do—watching carefully so nothing burns.

Add Those Veggies!: Stir in diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks next! Cook everything together for about 5 more minutes until peppers soften but still retain their crunch.

Create Your Sauce Magic!: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into your pan with chicken and veggies. Stir continuously until it thickens up beautifully—around 3-4 minutes should do.

Serve it Up!: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles! Garnish with chopped green onions for an added pop of flavor and color—your dining table will look like an Instagram-worthy feast!

And voilà! Your sweet and sour chicken recipe is complete—a burst of flavors waiting to be devoured! Enjoy every bite with laughter around the table because food tastes better shared!

You Must Know

This sweet and sour chicken recipe combines crispy chicken with a tangy sauce that’s both comforting and adventurous
The vibrant colors and flavors make it a family favorite, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion
It’s a dish that truly sings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for a crispy exterior, then prepare the sweet and sour sauce while it cooks. Timing is key to ensure everything comes together beautifully without overcooking.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for your favorite veggies or add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness. Customize this dish to suit your taste buds, making it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for optimal texture, avoiding microwave mushiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness; they won’t dry out as easily as breasts
Always ensure your oil is hot before frying to achieve that perfect crunch
Don’t skip the cornstarch coating; it seals in moisture and gives an irresistible crispiness

Cooking this sweet and sour chicken recipe always brings back memories of family dinners where laughter echoed through the kitchen, and everyone fought over the last juicy piece of chicken.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu or shrimp can also be delicious alternatives in this sweet and sour chicken recipe.

What side dishes pair well with sweet and sour chicken?

Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a delightful balance of flavors.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce for heat.

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