How to Make the Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken
Chinese-American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This quick sweet and sour chicken delivers all the bold tangy flavors of your favorite takeout in just 15 minutes at home. Tender chicken pieces coated in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce make a fast and family friendly protein dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 cup pineapple chunks canned or fresh
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl until sugar is fully dissolved. This quick sauce base captures the classic sweet and sour flavor profile perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper then add to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Pineapple
Add pineapple chunks to the pan with the cooked chicken and toss together. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and a juicy texture that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Pour Sauce and Toss
Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and pineapple and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is well glazed. Serve immediately over rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken breast → boneless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful bites
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy acidity
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan with chicken pieces which causes steaming instead of browning
- Adding the sauce too early before chicken is properly browned resulting in pale sticky chicken
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 30g protein, 24g carbs, 10g fat, 1g fiber.
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