Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors! This Sweet and Sour Chinese recipe is a delightful explosion of colors and tastes, featuring tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks all enveloped in a luscious, homemade sauce. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply satisfy your cravings for takeout, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be indulging in this mouthwatering masterpiece in no time. Read on to discover how you can whip up this irresistible dish right in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, chopping bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces, and draining pineapple chunks.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth, creating the sweet and sour sauce base.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and hot.
- Add chicken cubes to the hot oil and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, ensuring pieces are golden brown and cooked through with no pink interior.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Return chicken to the pan and add pineapple chunks.
- Pour prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat evenly.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating all ingredients.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed white rice.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your ingredients in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- High Heat: Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming and ensure even cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Serve with Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or fried rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the dish; you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or vinegar according to your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
