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Sweet and Sour Chicken : Easy Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken

A delicious homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken with crispy chicken and a luscious, glossy sauce that's easy to make and perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or preferred cooking oil
Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper green bell pepper cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 red onion red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
Sweet and Sour Chicken Sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice from can or fresh
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey/maple syrup for a healthier option
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
Optional Garnishes
  • sesame seeds
  • chopped green onions

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • - Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This is key to getting that wonderful crispy exterior for your Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken.
  2. Make the Sweet and Sour Chicken Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, add the coated chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be crispy and flavorful. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared Sweet and Sour Chicken Sauce a quick whisk again (cornstarch can settle) and pour it over the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Simmer and Serve: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats everything. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Garnish and Enjoy: Add the fresh pineapple chunks and toss gently. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Your delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is ready to be served! It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots. For a healthier twist, use chicken breast and serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens. You can also make this dish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off approach.
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