Sweet and Sour Chicken

This easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe features crispy chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, and tastes better like takeout!

I'm always looking for easy weeknight recipes, especially when there is so much going on with everyone's activities. Made with crispy pan-fried chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, this flavorful Sweet and Sour Chicken is a family favorite. This recipe is made in just one pan, so not only is this a quick and easy recipe, but there's minimal cleanup! Plus, it tastes better than take-out!

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a easy weeknight meal that pairs perfectly with rice! Here is what you’ll need for the recipe:

(Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are found below)

• Olive oil - can substitute with vegetable or canola
• Chicken - boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Pineapple + juice - I use canned diced pineapple and the juice. You can also use fresh pineapple, but remember to add pineapple juice.
• Apple cider vinegar - can substitute with rice vinegar
• Ketchup - regular, low-sugar, or organic

You will also need a mixing bowls and skillet.

To make this crispy chicken, you first need to cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and then cover it in a breading. After dicing the chicken, coat the pieces in cornstarch first. Then, dip the chicken into a bowl of beaten eggs, and lastly, into a bowl of flour and spices.

Cook the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, with the breading a nice, golden brown.

To remove any excess oil from the chicken, place the cooked pieces onto a plate lined with paper towel.

Next, turn the heat down to low and cook bell pepper and onion in the same pan for 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute.

To create the sauce, add pineapple with juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.

Lastly, stir in the cooked chicken, and gently stir until everything has been coated. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes.

The sweet and sour chicken is best served immediately and pairs perfectly with rice. Top with sesame seeds and green onion.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Servings: 5

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 5 Tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 ½ cups colored bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp ginger puree
• 1 can diced pineapple, with juice
• 6 Tbsp ketchup
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes.
2. Place the diced chicken in a mixing bowl and add the cornstarch. Toss the chicken until each piece is coated. Set aside.
3. In separate bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Set aside.
4. In a third bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
6. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add chicken in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the coating is golden brown. Add more oil if needed.
7. Place the cooked chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
8. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes on low heat.
9. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, and cook for 1 more minute.
10. Add pineapple with juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet.
11. Bring the mixture a simmer and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
12. Add the chicken to the sauce and gently stir. Heat for 2-3 minutes.
13. Serve with rice, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Tips: 

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the texture of the chicken will change as it’s refrigerated, but it will absorb more of the flavor over time.
• Reheat Sweet and Sour Chicken in a hot pan to warm up the ingredients and get some of that crispness back in the chicken.

This Sweet and Sour Chicken is such a simple and delicious dish that is just what you need after a busy day. It's so quick to make, comforting, and tastes better than takeout! If you decide to give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear all about it! Please share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest!

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