Sweet and Sour Chicken

Who can resist sizzling, crispy, freshly made Sweet and Sour Chicken spooned over rice? We have a lot of happy memories enjoying this dish and one of the best parts is that it only takes 30 minutes to make! That means you'll have more time to relax and enjoy it with your loved ones. 

Sweet and sour Chinese chicken is one of our favorite dinner recipes that can be made in under an hour. It's a vibrant dish with perfectly golden and crispy chicken bites, colorful veggies, juicy pineapple, and the best sauce. We always find ourselves going back for seconds with this one!

If you love easy chicken skillet recipes, you will love this sweet and savory honey sesame chicken, salty and flavorful teriyaki chicken, and this classic honey garlic chicken stir fry. 

Ingredients

• Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein goes so well with the sauce flavors and veggies in this dish. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Red and Green Bell Pepper and Yellow Onion: Fresh veggies really make this dish. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-cut bell peppers and onions.
• Pineapple Chunks: Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Don't drain the can of fruit completely because you'll want some of the juice used in the sauce. You could also cut up a fresh, juicy pineapple if you wanted!
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and to create a base for the light coating on the chicken. Some recipes use potato starch so you could try that as a substitute, too.
• Paprika and Onion Powder: Paprika and onion powder add a little smokiness and zesty flavor to this dish.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: We will fry the chicken pieces in oil, so use whatever neutral oil you prefer. Avocado oil also works.
• Brown Sugar and Ketchup: These both add sweetness, acidity, and a hint of molasses flavor to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, and Soy Sauce: These add a mix of salty, savory, tangy, and umami flavors to the sweet and sour sauce. Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to lower the salt.
• Minced Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds some great depth and intensity to bring out all the flavors in the dish.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Instead of regular soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll still get the rich, umami flavor but without any gluten.
• Spicy: Add chili paste, Sriracha, chili flakes, or diced chilies for more heat. Experiment with different chili varieties to find your favorite.
• Add More Veggies: Include blanched broccoli, green beans, or soybeans in the dish to boost its nutritional value and add more color and texture. 

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here’s exactly how to make this easy chicken dish. If you have a rice cooker, you could get that started first. Or make rice on the stovetop and while the rice is simmering, fix the main course.

1. Step 1: Make the Sauce. Whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, pineapple juice, and cornstarch. Set aside so the flavors can meld together.

2. Step 2: Make the Coating. We're going to use a gallon-sized freezer bag and the shaking method to coat the chicken. Put the cornstarch, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika in the bag and shake. Then add the chicken and shake until well coated.

3. Step 3: Fry. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown. I usually do 2 or 3 batches. Remove the chicken and set it aside.  

4. Step 4: Add the Vegetables. Saute the bell peppers and onions in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until they've softened.

5. Step 5: Bring to a Boil. Lower the heat to medium, pour the sweet and sour sauce into the cooked veggies, and bring everything to a boil.

6. Step 6: Add the Chicken Back In. Stir the chicken and pineapple into the sauce and vegetables, and continue to cook it for a bit until the sauce is thick and the chicken is hot again. Serve and enjoy!

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freezer for up to two months. Keep in mind this easy chicken recipe is best made and served fresh. The breading won’t stay crispy but if you’re okay with that, the leftovers are still packed with lots of flavor. 
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
• Make Ahead: If you plan to make this dish for meal prep, we prefer keeping the chicken separate from the vegetables and sauce. We recommend reheating the chicken in an air fryer or oven to crisp it up. You can warm the veggies and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, then combine them just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet sour chicken over rice, quinoa, or lo mein noodles on a busy weeknight or whenever you're craving Chinese for dinner.

• Garnish with freshly chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds or black sesame seeds.
• This sweet and sour Chinese chicken is so good over fluffy white or brown rice, sticky rice, or with fried rice. Be sure to drizzle some extra sauce on top!
• Pair it with other classic Chinese-American dishes or takeout favorites like egg rolls, wonton soup, chow mein, or fried rice.
• Create your own Chinese buffet at home by serving this dish with beef teriyaki or sweet and sour meatballs, bok choy, broccoli stir fry, and strawberry poke cake for dessert.

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