Sweet and sour chicken is a dish that dances on your taste buds, with a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Imagine crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, accompanied by vibrant vegetables, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. BBQ chicken coleslaw wraps.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the best type of chicken to use for sweet and sour chicken?
- Can I make sweet and sour chicken ahead of time?
- How do I make the sauce thicker?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just about the food; it carries memories of family dinners and laughter-filled moments. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, sweet and sour chicken always hits the spot, promising an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Greek ground chicken bowls.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sweet and sour chicken recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavors meld beautifully to create a colorful feast for your eyes and palate
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins
- Plus, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike at any gathering
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles from friends and family who can’t get enough of it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken works best; cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Fresh Bell Peppers: Choose red or yellow for sweetness; they add color and crunch.
- Pineapple Chunks: Canned or fresh pineapple adds the signature sweetness; opt for chunks in juice for best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with warmth; use 2-3 cloves for maximum impact.
- Onion: A medium onion caramelizes nicely, adding depth to the dish; yellow onions work wonders here.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal to control saltiness while still delivering umami goodness. Churro saltine toffee.
- Rice Vinegar: This vinegar brings acidity into play, balancing the sweetness perfectly; don’t skip it!
- Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for caramelization; it adds rich sweetness that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It enhances the sauce’s flavor while giving it that lovely reddish hue we adore.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds nuttiness; it’s like a secret weapon in this flavor arsenal!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors before cooking.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften and turn golden brown, releasing a savory aroma.
Add Pineapple: Toss in pineapple chunks with all their juicy goodness. Let them cook briefly until warmed through—this enhances their sweetness in the dish.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and sesame oil until well combined. This mixture will be pure magic!
Cook Chicken: Push your veggies to one side of the pan and add the seasoned chicken. Cook until golden brown on all sides—about 6-8 minutes should do it.
Add Everything Together: Pour your sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is bubbling nicely.
Now that you have created your masterpiece of sweet and sour chicken, serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal! Enjoy each bite as if you’re dining in your favorite Chinese restaurant right at home! salsa verde chicken rice skillet.
You Must Know
- This delightful sweet and sour chicken recipe combines tangy flavors with tender chicken, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel like a bustling restaurant, and the leftovers?
- Well, they might just become your new favorite snack
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then add the sauce ingredients while it simmers. This method ensures juicy chicken and a rich sauce that clings to every bite.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out the pineapple for mango or adding extra veggies like bell peppers for crunch. Each twist offers a unique flavor adventure that can surprise your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat to maintain its tender texture. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ginger for an extra zing in the sauce; it elevates the flavor profile significantly
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should remain succulent and juicy
- Feel free to add more veggies for color and nutrition without compromising taste
Sometimes, my friends ask me how I create such crowd-pleasing dishes. I always tell them that this sweet and sour chicken is my secret weapon; it always gets rave reviews at dinner parties.
FAQ
What is the best type of chicken to use for sweet and sour chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tenderness and flavor.
Can I make sweet and sour chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance; just store it properly in the fridge.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry during cooking; this will help thicken your sweet and sour sauce perfectly.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy-sweet sauce, vibrant vegetables, and juicy pineapple. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe promises a burst of flavors and colorful presentation that will impress your family and friends. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, sweet and sour chicken is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers (red or yellow, chopped)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned in juice)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened.
- Add pineapple chunks and cook briefly until warmed through.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and sesame oil.
- Push the veggies aside in the pan and add the seasoned chicken; cook until golden brown for about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture; stir well to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until bubbling.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg