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- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, diced - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 onion, sliced - 1 cup sugar snap peas - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice (for serving) Sweet and sour chicken bursts with flavor. The main ingredients make it hearty and fun. The chicken is the star, tender and juicy. Pineapple adds a sweet, tropical twist. Bell pepper gives a nice crunch and color. Onion adds depth, while sugar snap peas bring freshness. For the sauce, soy sauce adds saltiness. Apple cider vinegar gives tang. Ketchup adds sweetness and a hint of tomato. Cornstarch thickens the sauce perfectly. Honey enhances the sweet notes and balances the dish. To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Jasmine rice is a perfect base. It soaks up the sauce and makes each bite delightful. Enjoy this dish as a crowd-pleaser or a weeknight treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your sauce ingredients. You need soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, and honey. In a medium bowl, whisk these together. This creates your sweet and sour sauce. Make sure to add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Once mixed, set the sauce aside for later use. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. When the chicken is fully cooked, it’s ready for the next step. Now, it's time to add some color and crunch. Stir in the sliced onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables with the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should become tender but not mushy. Next, add the pineapple chunks and sugar snap peas. Cook everything for another 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Then, pour in your sweet and sour sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and veggies. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. Once done, it’s ready to serve! To get the best sweet and sour taste, start with the sauce. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more vinegar. This balances the flavors. Salt and pepper also help. A pinch of salt can make the dish pop. Taste as you go. Find that perfect mix you love. I recommend using a skillet or wok for this dish. Both heat up fast and cook the chicken evenly. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. When you add the veggies, time is key. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still bright and crunchy. To make your meal shine, serve it with jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce well. You can also add steamed broccoli or carrots for color and crunch. For garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. You can also use chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty creation! Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the diced chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh pineapple and crisp vegetables to enhance the dish's overall taste and texture. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey or sugar. Taste as you go to achieve your desired flavor. Serve with a Twist: Consider adding chopped green onions or cilantro as a garnish for added freshness and color to your dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in sweet and sour chicken. - Sweet and sour pork: Use diced pork instead of chicken. It adds a rich taste. - Sweet and sour tofu: For a plant-based option, try firm tofu. It absorbs flavors well. Changing ingredients can create new flavors. - Using different vegetables: Swap in broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Each adds unique crunch and color. - Substituting with fruit options: Try mango or peaches instead of pineapple. These fruits will bring a fresh twist. Sweet and sour chicken has many local takes. - Local variations: In some places, they use different sauces or add spices. This changes the dish’s flavor profile. - Popular restaurant adaptations: Many restaurants have their own versions. Some may use orange or chili for extra zing. To keep your sweet and sour chicken fresh, store it right. Use an airtight container. This helps keep flavors locked in. Before placing it in the fridge, let it cool down. Store it within two hours of cooking for best results. If you have extra, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to three months. When you want to eat it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. In the fridge, sweet and sour chicken lasts about three to four days. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it out. Sweet and sour chicken is a popular dish that combines chicken with a tangy sauce. It has roots in Chinese cuisine but is loved worldwide. The dish features a balance of sweet and sour flavors. The sauce often uses ingredients like soy sauce and vinegar. You can find variations with fruits like pineapple adding sweetness. Yes, you can make sweet and sour chicken gluten-free! Use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder. Just check your ketchup for gluten-free options. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worries. Making sweet and sour chicken takes about 30 minutes. You spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is about 15 minutes as well. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve sweet and sour chicken with cooked jasmine rice. Rice soaks up the sauce well and adds flavor. You might also try stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a crunchy side. For a fun twist, add spring rolls or dumplings to the meal! Sweet and sour chicken is an easy dish to make. You learned the key ingredients, from chicken to tasty sauce. I shared tips for cooking and different variations to try. With careful prep and the right flavors, you can create a meal everyone enjoys. Remember to store leftovers properly for later. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. Dive into your kitchen and try it out! Your meal is sure to impress.

Tangy Tropical Sweet and Sour Chicken

A delicious blend of chicken, pineapple, and vegetables in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 whole onion, sliced
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • as needed cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your sweet and sour sauce. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the pineapple chunks and sugar snap peas, and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.
  • Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine rice, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Notes

Serve with cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, pineapple, sweet and sour, tropical