Go Back
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1/2 cup ketchup - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar These main ingredients create a colorful and tasty dish. The chicken gives protein and texture. The bell peppers add crunch and color. Pineapple brings a sweet touch, while garlic and green onions add depth. - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup sugar - Salt and pepper, to taste The cornstarch coats the chicken, giving it a crispy crust. Sugar balances the sauce's tartness. Simple seasoning like salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors. These ingredients work together to make sweet and sour chicken better than takeout. Using fresh produce and quality condiments ensures great taste. You can easily find these items in your local store. Enjoy cooking this dish with your family! To start, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. Next, dredge the chicken in cornstarch. Make sure each piece is fully coated. This step helps create a crispy texture when frying. For frying, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Use medium-high heat for the best crunch. Cook the chicken in batches. This prevents overcrowding, which can make the chicken soggy. Fry until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. Now, let’s sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This brings out the garlic's flavor. Next, we need to make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce until smooth. This sauce is key to that sweet and sour taste. Pour the sauce over the sautéed vegetables and mix well. It's time to combine everything! Add the crispy chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir well to coat all the ingredients in the sauce. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and blend the flavors. For an extra touch, stir in the chopped green onions just before serving. This adds a fresh taste and makes the dish look great. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or noodles for a perfect meal! To get that real takeout taste, focus on the sauce. The mix of sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce creates a perfect balance. Adjust the sweetness by adding less sugar or more vinegar. This way, you control how sweet or tart your dish is. For frying chicken, make sure to coat it well in cornstarch. This helps it get crispy. Fry the chicken in batches. Don't crowd the pan; give it space to cook evenly. For vegetables, cut them into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Sauté them just until they are tender but still crisp. Serve your sweet and sour chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or noodles. These pair perfectly with the dish’s bold flavors. For a beautiful look, garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds. A colorful plate makes the meal more inviting! {{image_2}} You can easily customize sweet and sour chicken with different proteins. Instead of chicken, use tofu for a vegetarian option. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. Shrimp is another tasty swap that cooks quickly and adds a sweet taste. For veggies, you have many choices. You can add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. These veggies add color and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy or have on hand. The sweet and sour sauce can change to fit your taste. Use pineapple juice instead of sugar for a natural sweetness. If you like a tangier sauce, add more apple cider vinegar. Want some heat? Add chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce. This will give your dish an exciting kick. Experiment with the sauce to find your perfect blend. If you need gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with tamari. It has a similar flavor and is safe for gluten-free diets. For those watching sugar or carbs, you can use a sugar substitute. This will keep the flavor without adding extra sugar. You can also reduce the amount of pineapple or use fresh pineapple for a lower sugar option. These variations let you enjoy sweet and sour chicken your way! To keep your sweet and sour chicken fresh, use proper storage containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Make sure the chicken cools down before you store it. The shelf life of cooked sweet and sour chicken in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. Label your container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. If you want to save leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Sweet and sour chicken can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat for optimal taste, use a skillet over low heat. This way, the chicken warms up evenly. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Enjoy your homemade dish just like takeout! To reduce the sweetness in sweet and sour chicken, you can adjust the sugar levels. Use less sugar than the recipe calls for. Start with a quarter cup instead of a half cup. You can also try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These can add flavor without being too sweet. Another option is to add more vinegar. The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy taste that counters sweetness. You can also add more soy sauce or ketchup. These ingredients bring depth and balance without extra sugar. Yes, you can make sweet and sour chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Then, cool it down and store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish tastes great later, too. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in a skillet. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Heat it on medium-low until it’s hot. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce saucy. Sweet and sour chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Jasmine rice: Fluffy rice soaks up the sauce. - Noodles: Stir-fried or plain noodles work nicely. - Steamed broccoli: This adds color and nutrients. - Fried rice: A tasty twist that complements the dish. - Spring rolls: Crunchy rolls add texture. For drinks, try a refreshing iced tea or lemonade. These drinks balance the dish's flavors perfectly. You've learned all about making sweet and sour chicken. We reviewed key ingredients like boneless chicken, fresh produce, and tasty sauces. I shared easy steps for preparing, cooking, and serving. You now have tips to enhance flavors or swap ingredients for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these basics, you can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Sweet and Sour Chicken Better Than Takeout

Indulge in a delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight that's perfect for dinner! With crispy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple in a tangy sauce, this dish will impress your family and friends. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s easy to make and a feast for the eyes. Don't miss out on this fantastic recipe—click through now to explore step-by-step instructions and elevate your mealtime!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

3 green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch until fully coated.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

        Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables.

          Combine Everything: Add the crispy chicken and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

            Garnish: Stir in the chopped green onions just before serving for added freshness.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.