There’s nothing quite like the vibrant colors of a plate filled with sweet and sour chicken. Picture juicy chicken pieces swimming in a tangy sauce, surrounded by colorful bell peppers and onions. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water before you even take the first bite. This dish is a delightful dance of flavors that promises to elevate any weeknight dinner into something special.
Growing up, my family often enjoyed sweet and sour chicken during celebrations. I vividly remember my mom serving it at birthdays or casual Friday dinners when we wanted to kick off the weekend with something fun. The harmony of sweetness balanced with just the right amount of tanginess always had everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sweet and sour chicken recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor
- It’s visually appealing with its colorful ingredients
- You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have in your fridge
- Perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike!
I once made this dish for friends when they visited unexpectedly. They were so impressed they even took pictures for Instagram!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well here; cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green for color; they add crunch and sweetness.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; slice it thinly so it cooks evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; opt for two cloves to keep things aromatic.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger gives a warm spice that balances the sweetness perfectly.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Go for low-sodium soy sauce; it allows better control over salt levels while still packing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste preference for balance.
- Rice Vinegar: Use this for tang; its mild acidity complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce nicely without making it gloopy.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by prepping all your ingredients to ensure smooth sailing ahead—no one wants to be hunting for garlic while sautéing!
Prepare Your Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil. Toss in sliced bell peppers and onions until they become slightly tender and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger until you smell their heavenly aroma—about 30 seconds should do.
Cook the Chicken: Push the veggies aside, add your seasoned chicken pieces, cooking until they’re golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes should suffice.
Create the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water in a bowl until smooth.
Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour your sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and veggies. Stir until everything is coated evenly; let it simmer until thickened—around 2-3 minutes should work wonders.
And there you have it! Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Get ready to wow your friends or family with this simple yet impressive dish!
You Must Know
- The secret to a perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken lies in balancing flavors
- This dish is vibrant, colorful, and sure to brighten your dinner table
- Remember, the sauce should be tangy yet sweet, creating a delightful contrast that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown first; then prepare the sauce while it simmers. This method allows for maximum flavor development and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or experiment with different meats like shrimp or tofu. Personalizing this dish adds a unique flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate the chicken beforehand for deeper flavor; don’t skip this step!
- Use fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste and color
- Adjust sweetness by varying sugar levels in the sauce for personal preference
Cooking Sweet and Sour Chicken always reminds me of family dinners where laughter filled the air, and everyone fought over the last piece of crispy chicken.
FAQ
Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Is Sweet and Sour Chicken halal?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use halal chicken and ingredients.
How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce sugar in the sauce or add more vinegar for extra tanginess.

Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken tossed in a tangy sauce, complemented by colorful vegetables. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red and green)
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with water)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté sliced bell peppers and onion until they become tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the veggies aside and add the seasoned chicken, cooking until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and veggies; stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg