Why Make This Recipe
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. This recipe is great for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. The tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and juicy pineapple come together in a way that pleases everyone’s palate. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be served with rice or noodles!
How to Make Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
- 1/4 cup vinegar (rice or white)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the bell peppers and pineapple chunks, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 2-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
Serve Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken hot over a bed of white rice or noodles. You can also garnish it with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. This dish makes for a colorful and appetizing plate.
How to Store Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or honey to the sauce.
- For extra crunch, add water chestnuts or cashews.
- Using fresh pineapple can enhance the flavor, but canned works well for convenience.
Variation
You can transform this recipe into Sweet and Sour Chicken by swapping out the pineapple for other fruits like mango or peach. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for variety.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.
3. Is this recipe healthy?
This dish is relatively healthy, especially if you use less sugar or substitute with honey. It also includes vegetables and protein.
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
- 1/4 cup vinegar (rice or white)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the bell peppers and pineapple chunks, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 2-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or honey to the sauce. For extra crunch, add water chestnuts or cashews. Using fresh pineapple can enhance the flavor, but canned works well for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken, Pineapple, Sweet and Sour, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner