Description
A vibrant and flavorful Sweet and Sour Chicken Pineapple recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with juicy pineapple chunks and colorful bell peppers in a tangy, sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious 30-minute meal that serves four, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 500 grams (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (for marinating)
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
- 1 bell pepper, red or green, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar, white or rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional: Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the onion wedges and bell pepper pieces, cooking until they become tender yet crisp, roughly 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook the combined ingredients for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables nicely.
- Serve: Remove from heat and optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple chunks can be used. Drain juice to avoid excess liquid.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities to taste for a more or less sweet or tangy sauce.
- For added heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili can be added during the sauté step.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for a juicier texture.
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce mixture to avoid clumps.
