Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken is your go-to recipe for a quick, flavorful, and healthier homemade version of this beloved takeout classic. This guide will show you how to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and tangy with tender chicken in under 30 minutes, making it incredibly useful for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients for Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch, for dredging
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup sliced yellow onion
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple, or use substitute)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium is recommended)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
How to Make Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken
Whip up a dinner that’s incredibly easy to make, boasting a delicious balance of savory chicken and a vibrant, tangy sauce. This recipe is perfectly satisfying, featuring tender chicken pieces and crisp vegetables enveloped in a rich, glossy sauce. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the 1/4 cup cornstarch. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s lightly coated on all sides. This coating is key to achieving that slightly crispy exterior.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: While the chicken is cooking or immediately after, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ground ginger (if using). Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add a little more oil to the same skillet if needed. Add the chopped green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced yellow onion to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. You still want them to have a bit of bite.
Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together gently to coat.
Simmer and Serve: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the chicken and vegetables deliciously. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the ingredients.
Finalize: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken
The true magic of this Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken lies in its incredibly satisfying, tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy glaze, bursting with fresh, crisp vegetables. Making this at home is not only much more affordable than ordering takeout, but you also have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, fresher meal for your family. The delightful combination of sweet pineapple, tart vinegar, and savory soy sauce creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible, making it a clear winner over many store-bought sauces.
Forget the greasy, overly sweet versions you might find elsewhere; this homemade delight offers a vibrant, homemade taste that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a fantastic alternative to other popular chicken dishes, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful experience. Ready to impress yourself and your loved ones? Give this Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken recipe a try tonight – it’s a weeknight savior!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of water or a splash of extra pineapple juice to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Stir frequently until the chicken and sauce are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze your Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken for future meals, allow it to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as per the instructions above.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of delicious flavor. Whip up this crowd-pleasing dish tonight and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness that’s both satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Sweet N Sour Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the 1/4 cup cornstarch. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s lightly coated on all sides. This coating is key to achieving that slightly crispy exterior.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- While the chicken is cooking or immediately after, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ground ginger (if using). Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.1/3 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Add a little more oil to the same skillet if needed. Add the chopped green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced yellow onion to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. You still want them to have a bit of bite.2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 green bell pepper, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/4 cup sliced yellow onion
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together gently to coat.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1/2 green bell pepper, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/4 cup sliced yellow onion
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the chicken and vegetables deliciously. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the ingredients.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar