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To make sweet and sour chicken, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/3 cup ketchup - 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions, chopped for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken: Use tofu or shrimp for a different protein. - Cornstarch: Try flour or arrowroot powder for coating. - Olive oil: Any vegetable oil works well, like canola or sunflower. - Bell pepper: Use any color you like or substitute with carrots or broccoli. - Pineapple: If fresh is not available, canned works perfectly. Just drain it well. - Sugar: Honey or agave syrup can replace sugar for a natural sweetener. - Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work as gluten-free options. Fresh pineapple adds a bright flavor and texture. It’s juicy and sweet. Cutting fresh pineapple can take time. Canned pineapple is convenient. It’s already cut and ready to use. Just make sure to drain it well. The flavor is still good, but it may taste a bit sweeter. Both options work for this dish, so use what you have! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor. Next, take 1/2 cup of cornstarch and toss your chicken in it. Make sure each piece is well-coated. This coating helps the chicken get crispy when cooked. Grab a large skillet or wok and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a chopped bell pepper. Sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes until it gets a little soft. Then, mix in 1 cup of pineapple chunks and stir for another minute. Now, let's make the sweet and sour sauce. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of ketchup, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Stir this mixture until it is well combined. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently so everything gets coated. Let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This will thicken the sauce a bit and fuse all those amazing flavors together. To get that perfect crunch, start with cornstarch. Coat your chicken pieces well. This will help them fry up nice and crispy. Use a good amount of oil in the pan. Heat it until it's hot, but not smoking. Cook the chicken in batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken crisp up better. You want a thick sauce for your sweet and sour chicken. Start by letting it simmer. The longer it cooks, the thicker it gets. If you want it even thicker, mix a bit of cornstarch with water. Add this mixture slowly to the sauce. Stir well as it heats. It will thicken up quickly! Seasoning is key to great flavor. You can add more garlic or ginger for a stronger taste. A splash of soy sauce gives a nice umami kick. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar or pineapple juice. Taste as you go! Adjust until it’s just right for you. Pro Tips Perfectly Crispy Chicken: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a wonderfully crispy texture. Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: While canned pineapple works well, using fresh pineapple will enhance the flavor and provide a more vibrant texture to your dish. Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount based on your taste preference. If you like it less sweet, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Garnish with Style: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped cilantro along with green onions and sesame seeds when serving. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of sweet and sour chicken. Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and coat them in cornstarch. Cook them until golden brown. This gives your dish a nice, crispy texture. Adding more veggies can make this dish even better. Try bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly. Add them to the skillet with the pineapple. This not only boosts flavor but also adds color and nutrition. You can switch up the sauce for more fun. Try using orange juice for a fruity twist. You could also add chili paste for heat. Mix some soy sauce with a sweetener for a different taste. Experimenting with sauces can give you new flavors to enjoy. To keep your sweet and sour chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps to avoid steam buildup, which can make the chicken soggy. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. For best results, keep it separate from rice or other sides. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, about one minute at a time, until warm. If using a skillet, heat over medium heat. Stir the chicken often to avoid burning. You can freeze sweet and sour chicken for later. Just make sure it is completely cool before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, your meal will taste fresh and delicious. You can pair Sweet & Sour Chicken with several sides. Some great options include: - Steamed white rice: This absorbs the sauce well. - Fried rice: A tasty twist that adds flavor. - Noodles: Lo-mein or rice noodles work well. - Vegetable stir-fry: Adds more colors and nutrients. - Spring rolls: A crunchy side that complements the dish. Each side brings a unique flavor and texture to your meal. Yes, you can prepare Sweet & Sour Chicken in advance. Here’s how: - Cook the chicken: Follow the recipe, but stop before adding the sauce. - Store: Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. - Make the sauce: Prepare the sauce separately and store it in another container. When ready to eat, just heat the chicken and sauce together. This makes for an easy meal any day. Sweet & Sour Chicken has both healthy and less healthy aspects. Here are some points to consider: - Chicken: It’s a good source of protein. - Pineapple: This fruit adds vitamins and fiber. - Sugar: The recipe calls for sugar, which adds calories. - Cornstarch: This helps with crispiness but adds carbs. To make it healthier, you can reduce the sugar or use less cornstarch. Enjoying it with veggies also boosts the meal's nutrition. This guide covered all you need for sweet and sour chicken. We talked about ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best taste. You learned how to customize your dish and store it safely. Making this meal can bring joy to any table. Try out different variations to keep it fresh. With practice, your sweet and sour chicken will impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Zesty Sweet & Sour Chicken

A delicious and vibrant dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with bell peppers and pineapple.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or green), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 0.5 cup sugar
  • 0.33 cup ketchup
  • 0.33 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish green onions, chopped
  • for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss them in cornstarch until well-coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, cooking until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Then, add pineapple chunks and continue to stir for another minute.
  • Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and minced ginger. Stir until well combined.
  • Combine Everything: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce and fresh pineapple.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, pineapple, sweet and sour