Why You’ll Love Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe
This recipe is fast and easy, making it ideal for a simple lunch or dinner. It uses everyday ingredients and comes together in just 25 minutes, so it is great for hectic days. The combination of juicy pineapple, savory tamari, and cider vinegar creates a balanced sweet and tangy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. You will also love how vibrant and fresh the peppers and onion make the dish. Served over rice, it becomes a complete and comforting meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 red onion
2 chicken breast
2 tbsp oil
435 g tinned pineapples
2 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp corn flour
2 bags microwave rice, to serve
Directions
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into cubes. Cut the red and green peppers into square pieces and roughly slice the red onion.
Heat the oil in a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry for 5 to 7 minutes until it starts to turn golden and gain color.
Add the peppers and onion to the pan and cook for a few more minutes until they begin to soften slightly while still keeping some crunch.
In a separate bowl or jug, make the sauce by mixing together the cider vinegar, tamari, tinned pineapple with all its juice, crushed garlic, and corn flour. Stir well until the corn flour is fully combined.
Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and vegetables. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the chicken.
Heat the microwave rice according to the package instructions, then serve the sweet and sour chicken over the rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation and cooking time is 25 minutes total.
Variations
You can swap the chicken breast for chicken thigh if you prefer a juicier texture. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. If you want extra vegetables, add carrots, snap peas, or baby corn. For a sweeter sauce, stir in a little honey or brown sugar. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the sauce. You can also use brown rice or noodles instead of microwave rice for a different base.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm it gently in a pan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. If possible, store the rice separately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of tinned pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but you may need to add a little extra liquid since the canned version includes juice that helps create the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and make sure the microwave rice and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What cut of chicken works best?
Chicken breast works well because it cooks quickly, but chicken thigh is also a great option if you want more tenderness and flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the chicken and vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time, then cook everything when you are ready to eat.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer a little longer, or mix a small amount of extra corn flour with water and stir it into the pan.
Can I freeze Sweet & Sour Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months, though the peppers may become a bit softer after thawing.
What can I serve with this besides rice?
It also goes well with noodles, cauliflower rice, or even stir-fried vegetables.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Carrots, broccoli, baby corn, and snap peas all work well.
Why is my sauce too thin?
This usually happens if it has not simmered long enough. Give it a few more minutes to cook so the corn flour can do its job.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the amount of pineapple or add a little extra vinegar or tamari to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Sweet & Sour Chicken is a simple, flavorful recipe that delivers a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite. With its colorful vegetables, juicy chicken, and quick cooking time, it is an easy meal that fits into any busy schedule. Whether you follow the original recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a reliable favorite at your table.
