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Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight

Featured in: Hearty and Delicious Mains

This sweet and sour chicken dish combines tender, golden-fried chicken pieces with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple chunks. Coated in a tangy-sweet sauce made of ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce, the flavors are perfectly balanced. Serve it over rice for a hearty meal. Ideal for quick dinners or family gatherings, this dish comes together in just 45 minutes, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to satisfy.

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Updated on Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:30:47 GMT
A bowl of chicken and rice. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and rice. | tastygusto.com

This sweet and sour chicken has been my family's favorite weeknight meal for years, delivering the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors with tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and juicy pineapple chunks.

I first discovered this recipe during a busy school week when I needed something quick that would please everyone at the table. Now my children request it at least twice a month, and it has become our go-to dinner when guests are coming over unexpectedly.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: creates the perfect tender protein base and absorbs all the delicious sauce flavors
  • Cornstarch: gives the chicken that signature light crispy coating that holds up well in the sauce
  • Red and yellow bell peppers: add vibrant color, sweet flavor and essential vitamin C to the dish
  • Demerara or brown sugar: provides that authentic caramelized sweetness that balances the tanginess
  • Cider vinegar: delivers the essential sour note that defines the classic sauce
  • Pineapple pieces: contribute natural sweetness and tropical flavor that makes this dish special
  • Fresh ginger and garlic: form the aromatic base that gives depth and complexity to the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season your cornstarch generously with salt and pepper before tossing the chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated for the best texture. This creates a light protective layer that will help the chicken stay tender while giving it a beautiful golden exterior.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat your oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the chicken pieces without overcrowding the pan, working in batches if necessary. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes total. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later, so don't worry about cooking it through at this stage.
Cook the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet with the remaining oil and browned bits adds tremendous flavor. Sauté the onions first until slightly translucent, about 2 minutes, then add the peppers and cook for another 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness.
Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk all sauce ingredients vigorously to ensure the sugar dissolves properly. Pour into the hot skillet with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
Combine and Cook:
Return the chicken to the skillet, folding it gently into the sauce and vegetables. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency that clings beautifully to all ingredients.
A bowl of chicken and rice with a spoon. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and rice with a spoon. | tastygusto.com

The pineapple is truly the secret star of this recipe. I once tried making it without pineapple when I didn't have any on hand, and while it was still good, it was missing that special something. My daughter actually asked what was different about the "regular chicken" that night, which proved how essential that ingredient is to the authentic flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and sour chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a lower carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or even on a bed of lightly sautéed cabbage. The bright colors of the dish make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, so consider serving it in a large white bowl for maximum visual impact.

A bowl of chicken and rice with chopsticks. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and rice with chopsticks. | tastygusto.com

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare components of this dish in advance to make dinner assembly even quicker. The chicken can be diced and coated in cornstarch up to a day ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator. The sauce ingredients can also be mixed and stored in a sealed container for up to 48 hours. When ready to cook, simply proceed with frying the chicken and completing the recipe as written.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and stay even juicier. Pork tenderloin cut into similarly sized pieces makes an excellent alternative to chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu or tempeh, pressing it well before cutting and coating with cornstarch. Fresh pineapple can replace canned for a more intense flavor, though you'll need to add a bit more liquid to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken breast with another protein?

Yes, diced pork works well as a substitute. Keep the pieces the same size for even cooking.

→ How can I adjust the sauce consistency?

Add the reserved pineapple juice gradually to thin the sauce or simmer it longer to thicken.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a natural sweetness. You may need extra liquid to balance the sauce.

→ What veggies can be added or replaced?

Besides bell peppers and onions, you can use broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added variety and texture.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Don't overcrowd the pan when frying, and make sure the oil is hot enough. Reheat gently in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Dish

Tender chicken with vibrant veggies and a tangy-sweet sauce for a quick and tasty meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 2.5 cm cubes
02 6 tablespoons cornstarch
03 50 ml vegetable oil for frying
04 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

05 1 onion, thinly sliced
06 1 red bell pepper, chopped
07 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

→ Sauce

08 6 tablespoons ketchup
09 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
10 6 tablespoons demerara or brown sugar
11 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
13 2 cloves garlic, grated
14 432 g tin pineapple pieces, drained (reserve the juice)

Instructions

Step 01

Place the cornstarch in a medium bowl, season well with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.

Step 02

In a high-sided skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Gently fry the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Note: The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 03

After frying the chicken, add the sliced onion to the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet using a spatula or wooden spoon. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook until they start to soften.

Step 04

In a bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, and grated garlic. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the pineapple pieces, reserving the juice. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding pineapple juice to taste.

Step 05

Add the partially cooked chicken back into the skillet. Simmer the mixture for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Notes

  1. Add the reserved pineapple juice gradually to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Use diced pork as an alternative to chicken, ensuring pieces are the same size.

Tools You'll Need

  • High-sided skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 431
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g