Back in the late 1980’s I used to make Sweet and Sour Chicken with a jar of Ragu Sweet and Sour sauce and it was so good, but they stopped making it. So, I needed to come up a new recipe because I really missed having Sweet and Sour Chicken. After a lot of trial and error I finally arrived at this recipe and I really hope everyone loves it as much as we do.
Sweet and Sour Chicken is an incredibly popular dish that can be prepared in many ways. From the classic pineapple and bell peppers to hotter and more unique variations, this beloved takeout dish is a favorite for many. Creating this great recipe starts with good quality chicken, fresh ingredients, and a balanced combination of flavors. Give it a try and find your favorite way to make Sweet and Sour Chicken.
What is Sweet and Sour Chicken?
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that offers a delightful mix of contrasting flavors. The main component of the dish is tender pieces of chicken cooked to perfection. The distinctive feature of this dish is the sauce, which is a blend of sweet and sour elements. A combination of tangy vinegars, sweet sugars, and vibrant fruit flavors like pineapple, peach or apricot creates a taste sensation that encompasses both ends of the flavor spectrum.
Ingredients
- Pineapple
- Chicken breast
- Pineapple juice
- Green pepper
- Red pepper
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
How to make Sweet and Sour Chicken
Add vegetable oil to a large skillet, and add chicken and brown over medium heat. Drain and set aside.
Drain pineapple, saving the juice. Add water to the juice to measure 1 cup; pour liquid into the skillet. Add another ⅓ cup of water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Add the pineapple, chicken, and peppers.
Simmer, uncovered until heated through, about 20 minutes. Serve over rice and chow mein noodles.
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- These are the tools I use when making this recipe!
- GreenPan Frying Pan–GreenPan has the best frying pans, healthy nonstick and oven safe.
- Bamboo Spatula– Bamboo utensils help keep my GreenPan’s scratch free.
- Bamboo Cutting Boards–Smooth Bamboo cutting boards won’t dull your knives and feels easy to cut on.
- Pinch Bowls– for measuring out ingredients ahead of time.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
Maid-Rite Sandwiches – Copycat
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 ounces can of pineapple tidbits in juice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 14 ounces boneless chicken cut into small pieces
- 1 green pepper
- 1 red pepper
- hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Add vegetable oil to a large skillet, and add chicken and brown over medium heat. Drain and set aside.
- Drain pineapple, saving the juice. Add water to the juice to measure 1 cup; pour liquid into the skillet. Add another ⅓ cup of water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Add the pineapple, chicken, and peppers.
- Simmer, uncovered until heated through, about 20 minutes. Serve over rice and chow mein noodles.
