Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a dish that kicks your taste buds into high gear, blending the sweetness of pineapple with the tangy punch of vinegar. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen will make you feel like a culinary wizard conjuring up magic. Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy sauce that glistens like a starry night—it’s not just food; it’s an experience!

This dish evokes memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air as we piled our plates high. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, Sweet and Sour Chicken brings everyone together. Prepare for an explosion of flavor that promises to leave you wanting more with every bite.

I still remember the first time I made Sweet and Sour Chicken for my friends; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took their first bites.

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use around 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal tenderness, adjusting quantity based on your guest list.
• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves to enhance the overall flavor profile significantly.
• Bell Peppers: Choose bright-colored bell peppers for visual appeal and a sweet crunch in every bite.
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works! Pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is perfect for controlling saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: This tangy ingredient elevates the dish’s signature sweet-and-sour flavor balance beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Provides that essential caramelized sweetness that’s hard to resist.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, creating that glossy finish we all love.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken until it’s perfectly golden brown and crispy.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced for garnish; they add freshness and color at the end.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together—this keeps things organized and prevents last-minute scrambling like you’re in a cooking competition.

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cubed chicken breasts, cooking until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic once the chicken is browned. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic tastes like regret.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this magical elixir over your chicken—watch it transform before your eyes!

Add Veggies and Pineapple: Mix in bell peppers and pineapple chunks, stirring everything together well. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp—their colors will brighten right before your eyes.

Serve It Up: Remove from heat once everything looks glossy and inviting. Serve over fluffy white rice or noodles! Don’t forget those green onions on top—they add flair like confetti at a party.

Now dive into this tangy-sweet delight that’s guaranteed to impress even your toughest critics! Enjoy every mouthful while reminiscing about how you became a kitchen superstar today with Sweet and Sour Chicken!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then sear it for golden crispiness. Prepare the sauce while the chicken cooks to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp, and experiment with different veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan to maintain texture and flavor.

Sharing this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe always brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone raved about my cooking skills.

FAQ

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Serve it over rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.

Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a tasty vegetarian option.

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Sweet and Sour Chicken

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• Author: Teprod
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that harmoniously combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tangy zest of vinegar. This vibrant, colorful meal not only tantalizes your taste buds but also creates lasting memories at family dinners. With juicy chicken coated in a glossy sauce and complemented by fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for both casual weeknight meals and festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable based on your pantry staples, Sweet and Sour Chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients to keep your workspace organized.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour over the chicken and stir well to coat.
5. Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks; cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Remove from heat and serve over fluffy rice or noodles, garnished with green onions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: About 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for an hour before cooking. - Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for variations. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently in a pan.