Quick & Delicious: The Ultimate Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken

Introduction

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken is the go-to solution for home cooks looking for a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines tangy, sweet, and succulent flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish pairs tender chicken with lightly crisped bell peppers and pineapple, all tossed in a vibrant, glossy sauce. Why make it? The balance of bold flavors and simplicity of preparation ensures it’s a favorite that will be requested again and again.

Why This Sweet And Sour Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite

This recipe transforms humble pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients into a dish that’s both visually stunning and packed with flavor. The chicken develops a golden, lightly crisped exterior before being coated in that unmistakable sweet and tangy sauce. With a quick cook time and approachable method, Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken is just the right mix of quick and impressive—guaranteed to outshine takeout.

Time-Saving Prep for Your Veggies

Efficiency in the kitchen is key for a busy cook, and uniform veggie cuts ensure even cooking and great presentation. Effortlessly chop your bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This tool takes the guesswork out of prep and lets you breeze through the recipe.

Crisping Chicken the Easy Way

For perfect chicken bites—juicy inside, slightly crispy outside—get a great nonstick surface with the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Its reliable heat distribution ensures the chicken cooks evenly without sticking or burning, meaning fewer messes and better texture.

Homemade Sweet & Sour Sauce Perfection

Skip bottled sauces—mix ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice for a lively, authentic taste. For an extra smooth, lump-free sauce, blend your ingredients in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender. This gives you a silky base for a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.

Air Fryer Option for Lighter Sweet and Sour Chicken

Looking for a healthier twist with less oil? Cook the chicken pieces in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for a crisp yet juicy bite. Simply coat the chicken with a light mist of oil, air fry, then toss in your homemade sauce. This method slashes calories while keeping big flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice or mixed greens. For easy meal prep and on-the-go lunches, pack leftovers into a divided Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep everything fresh and organized until ready to eat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each serving (not including rice) contains approximately 370–420 calories, depending on how much oil or sauce you use. You get a generous helping of lean protein and vitamin-rich veggies in every portion.

Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken (Recap)

Ditch the delivery wait times—this Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken delivers everything you crave: quick prep, bold sweet-tangy sauce, and tender chicken. With the help of smart kitchen tools, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing meal that’s healthier and tastier than takeout.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)
For the sauce:
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Optional garnish:
Chopped scallions or sesame seeds
Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil. Cook chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed), for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add remaining oil to the pan, then sauté bell peppers, onion, and pineapple for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly charred.
  4. While veggies cook, combine ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice in your Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a smooth sauce. Pour sauce into the pan with the veggies and bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) into the sauce. Let bubble for 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until hot and well combined.
  7. For air fryer option: Instead of pan-frying, air fry coated chicken in a single layer in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking once. Add to sautéed veggies and toss with sauce as directed above.
  8. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with scallions or sesame seeds if desired. Keep leftovers fresh in the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for great next-day meals.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe puts delicious, glossy-glazed chicken within your reach in less than 40 minutes—making it perfect for any day of the week.

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