Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzling symphony of a hot skillet can transport me to my favorite corner Chinese restaurant in an instant. If you’re on the hunt for an easy chicken recipe that captures the charm of takeout while being perfect for your own kitchen, look no further than this Sweet and Sour Chicken. With tender, crispy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and the sweet pop of pineapple, this dish is a delightful medley of flavors that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. Not only is it beginner-friendly for those new to home cooking, but it also doubles as a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. So, who’s ready to bring a little takeout magic home? Why is Sweet and Sour Chicken a must-try? Simplicity makes this dish a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. Vibrant veggies like bell peppers and pineapple add a fresh twist, making every bite exciting. Customizable too — switch chicken for shrimp or tofu for a fresh take. Healthier than takeout, it’s packed with protein and veggies, while still loving like your favorite restaurant meal. Serve it over rice or noodles for a fulfilling dinner that will surely impress your family and friends! Dive into this delightful mix and discover the difference of homemade goodness! Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients Ready to start your culinary adventure? Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful dish! For the Chicken Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Tender and protein-packed, perfect for crispy coating. Cornstarch – This magic ingredient creates that ideal crunchy exterior on the chicken. Vegetable Oil – Essential for frying, ensures a golden-brown finish for your chicken pieces. For the Vegetables Red Bell Pepper – Adds a sweet crunch to each bite, elevating the dish’s flavor profile. Green Bell Pepper – Offers a slight bitterness that beautifully balances the sweetness. Onion – Enhances depth and sweetness, turning tender when stir-fried. For the Sauce Pineapple Chunks – Juicy and tropical, they introduce vibrant sweetness to your sweet and sour chicken. Vinegar (white or apple cider) – Infuses the dish with that signature tangy kick. Ketchup – Contributes both sweetness and smooth texture to the sauce mixture. Soy Sauce – Delivers a savory depth, harmonizing all flavors in the dish. Sugar – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor experience. Minced Garlic – Imparts warmth and aromatic goodness to the sauce. Grated Ginger – Provides a zesty aroma with a gentle kick that complements the dish. Salt and Pepper – Essential to enhance all the delicious flavors! Optional Adjustments Water & Extra Cornstarch – Use if you prefer a thicker sauce; adjust for desired consistency. Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a fantastic homemade sweet and sour chicken that everyone will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet and Sour Chicken Step 1: Coat the Chicken Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated. This coating is essential for that delightful crunch! Set the chicken aside while you prepare the skillet for frying. Step 2: Fry the Chicken In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken pieces and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until they become golden brown and cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and heat it up again. Toss in the chopped red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and sliced onion. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they are tender yet still crisp. The vibrant colors will brighten your kitchen as you continue to make your sweet and sour chicken. Step 4: Prepare the Sauce While the vegetables are stir-frying, grab a bowl and mix together vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will provide that signature sweet and tangy flavor that’s essential to your sweet and sour chicken. Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sizzling veggies. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the top and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as everything heats through. Step 6: Add Pineapple Now, gently fold in the pineapple chunks and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step will infuse your sweet and sour chicken with a juicy burst of tropical sweetness, making every bite a delicious surprise. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly. Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional) If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sweet and sour chicken and let it cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Step 8: Season and Serve Taste your sweet and sour chicken, and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Once everything is combined and warm, serve this delightful dish over fluffy rice or crunchy noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Storage Tips for Sweet and Sour Chicken Fridge: Store cooked sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: Freeze portions of sweet and sour chicken for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s fully cooled before freezing in a sealed bag or container. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, maintaining the chicken’s crispy texture as much as possible. Sauce Storage: For best results, store sauce separately if you have leftovers. This ensures the chicken retains its crunch when reheated. Expert Tips for Sweet and Sour Chicken • Uniform Chicken Pieces: Ensure chicken is cut into even sizes for consistent cooking. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain raw. • Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet is too full, the chicken will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches to achieve that crispy coat everyone loves! • Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh produce for the best flavor. This is key in elevating your sweet and sour chicken and making it taste like restaurant-quality. • Sauce Thickness Control: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remember to add the cornstarch slurry gradually. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix if it gets too thick! • Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately to maintain texture and flavor. Reheat gently to avoid sogginess and preserve that delightful crunch. What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken Ready to elevate your Sweet and Sour Chicken into a full meal experience? Let’s explore delightful pairings that complement this dish beautifully! Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This aromatic rice perfectly absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce, enhancing every bite of chicken and vegetables. Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: The contrast of the crunchy noodles against the tender chicken adds texture and makes for a satisfying meal. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green and crunchy, broccoli brings a fresh, healthful element that balances the sweetness of the dish. Garlic Fried Rice: Infusing simple rice with garlic takes the flavors to another level, offering a savory counterpart to the sweet notes. Mango Salad: Refreshing and fruity, this salad with a zesty dressing will brighten your plate and complement the tropical pineapple beautifully! Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls packed with vegetables provide a delightful crunch and are perfect for dipping in extra sauce. Honey-Lemon Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage that combines sweetness and acidity, it cleanses the palate and enhances your meal experience. Chocolate Cake: For dessert, a rich chocolate cake offers a lovely contrast to the tangy flavors of the chicken, sweetening the finish. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Emphasizing the tropical theme, this dessert is a delicious way to wrap up your sweet and sour dinner! Sweet and Sour Chicken Variations Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing this dish to your taste! Shrimp Substitute: Swap the chicken for shrimp, adjusting cooking time for tender bites. Shrimp cooks faster and adds a delightful, ocean-fresh twist to your dish. Tofu Option: Replace chicken with cubed tofu for a hearty vegetarian version. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture, ensuring it soaks up the sweet and sour flavors beautifully. Veggie Medley: Experiment with vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition. Throw in whatever you have on hand for a colorful, nutritious stir-fry. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for heat. This adjustment will invigorate your dish with a thrilling spicy dimension that balances the sweetness. Fruit Variations: Try substituting pineapple with mango or peaches for a unique fruity flair. These options will impart their own sweet notes and a different zest to your favorite comfort dish. Whole Grain: Serve over quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice for a wholesome upgrade. These grains provide extra fiber and a nuttier flavor profile, making for a heartier meal. Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving for a fragrant finish. This adds a fresh burst of flavor that elevates your dish to new heights. Sauce Tweaks: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and incorporate it while simmering. This will give your sweet and sour chicken an even more luxurious texture, reminiscent of your favorite takeout style. As you explore these options, you’ll find the perfect version that speaks to you. And for more delightful chicken dishes, check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Honey Chicken Cutlets. Happy cooking! Make Ahead Options These Sweet and Sour Chicken components are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can coat the chicken in cornstarch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Additionally, cut the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time; both can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, keep the chicken and sauce separate until ready to cook, as mixing them too early can affect the crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the chicken, stir-fry the veggies, and add your prepped sauce and pineapple—delivering that delicious homemade taste with minimal effort! Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe and fresh vegetables for Sweet and Sour Chicken? Absolutely! When selecting vegetables like bell peppers and onions, look for firm textures without any soft spots or discoloration. Bright, vibrant colors indicate freshness; for instance, red bell peppers should be glossy and free from blemishes. If you can find sweet pineapple, that is a bonus! Fresh pineapple should have a slight give when squeezed and emit a sweet aroma. How should I store leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken? Very! For best quality, store your cooked Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing the container to preserve freshness. If you prefer, you can store the sauce and chicken separately to maintain the chicken’s crispy texture. Can I freeze Sweet and Sour Chicken? Absolutely! You can freeze your Sweet and Sour Chicken for up to 2 months. To do this, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. What should I do if my sauce is too thin? Not a problem at all! If your sauce turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it easily. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into your simmering sauce a little at a time, and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it thickens to your liking. This technique helps achieve that lush, velvety texture that works wonders for your Sweet and Sour Chicken. Are there any dietary considerations for Sweet and Sour Chicken? Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, you should be aware that this dish contains soy sauce, which is made from wheat and can trigger gluten sensitivities. For those avoiding sugar, consider using a sugar alternative that measures cup-for-cup, like Stevia or Monk fruit sweeteners. Additionally, you can easily replace the chicken with tofu or shrimp for those on a vegetarian or seafood diet, making it a versatile option for everyone. Sweet and Sour Chicken: Easy Takeout Delight at Home This Sweet and Sour Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that delivers takeout charm directly to your kitchen. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ChineseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Tender and protein-packed, perfect for crispy coating.1/2 cup Cornstarch This magic ingredient creates that ideal crunchy exterior on the chicken.1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Essential for frying, ensures a golden-brown finish.For the Vegetables1 medium Red Bell Pepper Adds a sweet crunch to each bite.1 medium Green Bell Pepper Offers a slight bitterness that beautifully balances sweetness.1 medium Onion Enhances depth and sweetness.For the Sauce1 cup Pineapple Chunks Juicy and tropical.1/4 cup Vinegar (white or apple cider) Infuses the dish with tangy kick.1/2 cup Ketchup Contributes sweetness and smooth texture.1/4 cup Soy Sauce Delivers savory depth.1/4 cup Sugar Balances sweetness.2 cloves Minced Garlic Imparts warmth and aromatic goodness.1 tbsp Grated Ginger Provides a zesty aroma.to taste Salt and Pepper Essential to enhance delicious flavors!Optional Adjustments1 tbsp Extra Cornstarch Use for a thicker sauce.2 tbsp Water Use for thickening the sauce. Equipment Large SkilletMixing bowlMeasuring CupsCutting BoardKnife Method Coat the ChickenCut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch until coated.Fry the ChickenHeat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.Stir-Fry the VegetablesAdd remaining oil to the skillet, stir-fry the bell peppers and onion for 3-4 minutes.Prepare the SauceMix vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves.Combine Chicken and SauceReturn chicken to the skillet, add sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes.Add PineappleFold in pineapple chunks and simmer for about 5 minutes.Thicken the Sauce (Optional)Mix cornstarch with water, stir into the sauce, and let cook until thickened.Season and ServeSeason with salt and pepper, serve over rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!