sweet and sour chicken with pineapple

Who doesn’t love the irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in sweet and sour chicken?

This classic dish, made with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple, is a family favorite for a reason!

Whether you’re craving takeout or a homemade treat, this recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds.

Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen!

What Makes Sweet and Sour Chicken So Special?

Sweet and sour chicken isn’t just another stir-fry; it’s a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Here’s why it stands out:

  • The Balance of Flavors: A perfect blend of sweet from pineapple and sugar, sour from vinegar, and savory from soy sauce.
  • The Role of Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple adds juiciness and a natural sweetness, while its enzymes help tenderize the chicken.
  • A Chinese-American Classic: While inspired by Cantonese cuisine, this dish has become a beloved staple in Chinese-American restaurants.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium onion, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet and Sour Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Toss the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

  • In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice.
  • Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion (if using), and pineapple chunks until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Combine Everything:

  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
  • Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
sweet and sour chicken with pineapple close up

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

  • Pineapple Choices: Fresh pineapple delivers a tangier flavor, while canned pineapple offers convenience.
  • Achieve Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, fry it in more oil or consider baking the cornstarch-coated pieces at 400°F for 20 minutes.
  • Adjust to Taste: Add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang.

Variations and Customizations

  • Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives.
  • Try Other Fruits: Experiment with mango or peaches for a unique twist.
  • Add Spice: Stir in chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Sweet and sour chicken pairs wonderfully with:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic base to soak up the sauce.
  • Fried Rice: For a hearty side dish.
  • Noodles: Try lo mein or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
  • Light Salads: A crisp cucumber or Asian slaw balances the richness of the dish. Click here for more salad recipes.

You can find more side dish ideas here.

FAQ’s

Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Is It Freezer-Friendly?

Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet.

sweet and sour chicken with pineapple

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

This sweet and sour chicken with pineapple is a deliciously balanced dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and juicy pineapple in a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s quick to prepare, takes only 35 minutes, and serves 4. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce use low sodium if preferred
  • cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice from canned pineapple or fresh
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • ½ medium onion sliced (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Toss the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  • In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice.
  • Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion (if using), and pineapple chunks until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Everything:

  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
  • Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Keyword Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

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