This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors, making it perfect for any occasion from family dinners to casual gatherings. The tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, combined with vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple, create a dish that everyone will love. It’s quick to prepare and offers a taste of takeout right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: A harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors captivates your taste buds with every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the vegetables based on what you have at home or prefer.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys dinner.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy your favorite takeout dish without the added preservatives and unhealthy fats.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for frying chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients seamlessly, especially for the sauce.
• Knife: Ensures precise cutting of chicken and vegetables, enhancing presentation.
• Spatula: Aids in stirring and flipping ingredients without damaging them.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 500 g boneless (skinless chicken breast, diced into 2.5 cm cubes)
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 ml vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables

• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)

For the Sauce

• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons demerara or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)

For the Pineapple

• 432 g tin pineapple pieces (drained, reserve the juice)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Coat each piece lightly in cornstarch to give it a crispy texture when fried.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same oil, add onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture along with pineapple pieces. Stir everything together gently over medium heat until heated through and well-coated in sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Sweet And Sour Chicken hot over rice or noodles if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Serve Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed Jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce, absorbing the flavors and adding a comforting base to the dish.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun and fresh way to enjoy the meal.

Over Noodles

• Pour the Sweet and Sour Chicken over cooked noodles for a hearty twist. Egg noodles or rice noodles work best to soak up the sauce.

As Part of a Buffet

• Include this dish in your buffet spread for gatherings. It’s colorful and appealing, making it a hit at parties.

With Extra Pineapple

• Garnish with additional pineapple chunks for an extra burst of sweetness. This enhances both flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken enhance flavor significantly. Opt for ripe bell peppers and fresh ginger for a vibrant dish.

• Coat Chicken Evenly: Ensure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in cornstarch before frying. This helps achieve that desirable crispy texture.

• Control Heat: Fry on medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the chicken. This step is crucial for maintaining juiciness.

• Balance Flavors: Taste your sauce before combining it with the chicken. Adjust sugar or vinegar as needed to achieve your perfect sweet-and-sour balance.

• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Sweet and Sour Chicken right after cooking for the best texture. Reheating may soften the coating.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Serving Sweet and Sour Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fried Rice: Fluffy rice stir-fried with vegetables adds texture and flavor, making it an excellent pairing with this dish.

2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the soft chicken.

3. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing adds crunch and balances sweetness.

4. Miso Soup: This light soup serves as a warm starter that complements the main dish’s flavors perfectly.

5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.

6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers a healthy, protein-packed alternative that pairs well with sweet flavors.

7. Coconut Rice: Rich coconut-flavored rice enhances the tropical feel of your Sweet and Sour Chicken while providing creaminess.

8. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add another layer of flavor while keeping your meal balanced and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Sweet and Sour Chicken can be straightforward, but certain mistakes can impact the dish’s quality. Avoiding these pitfalls will lead to a more delicious meal.

• Skipping the cornstarch: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can result in a less crispy texture. Always toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying for that perfect crunch.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables lose their vibrant color and crunch. Stir-fry them just until tender-crisp to maintain their freshness and flavor.
• Ignoring the sauce balance: Using too much sugar or vinegar can throw off the sweet and sour balance. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences for a well-rounded flavor.
• Not marinating the chicken: Skipping the marination step can lead to bland chicken. Allowing it to soak for at least 15 minutes enhances its flavor significantly.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Low-quality soy sauce or ketchup can result in an uninspiring sauce. Choose high-quality condiments for a richer taste in your Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe healthier?

You can use lean chicken breast and reduce the sugar content by using less brown sugar or opting for a sugar substitute. Adding more vegetables also boosts nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on your protein choice.

What side dishes pair well with Sweet And Sour Chicken?

Serve this dish with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. A fresh salad also complements it beautifully.

Is this Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge or freezer. Just store it properly as mentioned above to enjoy it throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also customizable to fit your family’s tastes. You can add extra veggies or adjust sweetness levels according to preference. Try this delightful dish tonight—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Madison
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

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Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, complemented by vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, you can enjoy the taste of your favorite takeout right at home without the added preservatives. It’s customizable, allowing you to swap in your preferred veggies, and is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast (diced)
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 432 g tin pineapple pieces (drained)

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Instructions

1. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper; coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat; fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken; stir-fry onion and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes.
4. Whisk together ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice.
5. Return chicken to the pan; add vegetables and sauce mixture with pineapple; cook until heated through.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust sugar or vinegar in the sauce to suit your taste. Serve immediately for optimal texture.