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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

A flavorful fusion of tangy and savory notes, this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is quick to prepare and perfect served on its own or accompanied by rice or Chinese noodles.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup fresh pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

Chicken

  • 1¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized portions
  • 1 medium onion chopped into large dice
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • Optional: Cooked rice or Chinese noodles

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together pineapple juice, garlic, water, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and cornstarch. Simmer, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and cover.
  • Place the chicken pieces and cornstarch into a large resealable plastic bag. Shake vigorously until all pieces are evenly coated.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Shake off any excess cornstarch from the chicken and add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, approximately 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting heat to prevent over-browning. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the same skillet, maintaining medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the bell peppers and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Lower the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Add the prepared sauce, pineapple chunks, crushed red pepper, and season with salt. Stir gently until everything is combined and heated through. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is uniformly cut to encourage even cooking. Allow the sauce to reach a slight thickness before removing it from the heat as it continues to thicken upon cooling. For optimal freshness, use seasonal bell peppers and pineapple. A dash of crushed red pepper adds mild heat; adjust to taste. Avoid premature mixing to maintain the crisp texture of the chicken and vegetables. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to three days.