If you love a good mix of sweet and tangy flavors, then you're in for a treat with these five fantastic sweet and sour chicken recipes. Whether you prefer the classic version packed with colorful veggies or a healthier baked take that still tastes incredible, there's something here for everyone. And let's not forget about the fun pineapple twist! Ready to find out which one you'll want to whip up for dinner tonight?
Classic Sweet and Sour Chicken
Classic Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.
With its colorful presentation and delicious balance of flavors, you'll find that this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup corn starch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it with corn starch.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers, stirring until they're tender. Then, add the pineapple chunks.
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce to create the sweet and sour sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet, and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also customize this dish by adding other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. If you prefer a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying it, and use less sugar in the sauce.
Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken
Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant and tangy sauce, delivering a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of pineapple not only adds a sweet touch but also brings a juicy texture that complements the crisp vegetables.
This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a gathering. With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper, cooking until they're golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet, stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then add the pineapple chunks and broccoli. Stir to combine, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth to the dish.
You can also customize the vegetables used based on your preferences, such as adding snap peas or carrots. For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Finally, for a more authentic touch, serve with fried rice or egg rolls on the side for a complete meal.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful twist on the traditional fried version, offering a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, baked to perfection, and served over rice or with vegetables. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, chopped bell pepper, and onion.
In a separate bowl, mix the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Serve over cooked rice.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for a couple of hours or overnight before baking.
You can also customize the dish by adding other vegetables like snap peas or carrots. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the baking dish after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Don't forget to garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch!
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful and vibrant dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
To make the Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Finally, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce is glossy and has reached your desired consistency. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
For a successful Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry, verify that your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as adding carrots, snap peas, or broccoli.
For an extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fry!
Healthier Sweet and Sour Chicken
For a healthier take on sweet and sour chicken, we'll be using lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a homemade sauce that cuts down on sugar and preservatives. This recipe balances the sweet and tangy flavors that are characteristic of traditional sweet and sour dishes while incorporating wholesome ingredients, making it a delightful and guilt-free option for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, yellow), chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
To cook, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper, cooking until they're browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, sautéing until they're tender. Stir in the pineapple and return the chicken to the skillet.
In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture, then pour this over the chicken and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
When preparing this healthier sweet and sour chicken, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. You can also substitute the honey with a sugar-free sweetener if you're looking for a low-calorie option.
For added nutrition, consider including some broccoli or snap peas in the mix. Ultimately, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your deliciously healthy meal!