🔥 Featured Remote Opportunity

Get Paid $25–$50/hr Just Replying to Messages

Explore flexible online chat opportunities paying $25–$50/hr — no phone calls and no experience required.

  • ⚡ Start immediately if qualified
  • 💬 Reply to messages online
  • ⏰ Choose flexible hours
  • 🏠 Work remotely from home
See Available Chat Positions →

⏱ Takes under 60 seconds • Availability updates daily

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. With juicy chicken coated in a glossy sweet and sour sauce, this dish brings a burst of flavor to your table in just under 30 minutes. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and color. Here are a few reasons why this dish stands out:

  • Quick preparation time, ideal for hectic evenings.
  • Delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables.
  • Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
  • Appealing presentation for family meals.

Ingredients

To make this Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a delightful sweet and sour chicken dish:

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  3. Add the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your sweet and sour chicken turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:

  • Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Feel free to toss in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sweet and sour sauce according to your taste.

Easy Variations

Mix things up with these easy variations:

  • Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Use different sauces, such as teriyaki or orange sauce, for a unique flavor twist.
  • Add cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture.

What to Serve With It

This Sweet and Sour Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
  • Fried rice
  • Quinoa for a healthier option
  • Simple green salad
  • Egg rolls or spring rolls

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Recipe Card

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  3. Add the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

Notes: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and enjoy this dish with your favorite sides!

Scroll to Top