Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Nothing says weeknight comfort quite like Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple — a dish that delivers fireworks of flavor in every bite. Think golden, juicy chicken bites, stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers and sweet, juicy pineapple, all coated in a homemade sauce that balances tangy, sweet, and savory with effortless charm. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or simply craving some nostalgic takeout flavors, this one-pan wonder promises irresistible color, mouthwatering aromas, and a taste adventure that always brings smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of fancy items to whip up Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple — just a handful of essentials that each play a starring role in the final dish. The secret is in the mix: tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and that signature sauce come together for maximum impact.

• Chicken breast: Lean and juicy, it soaks up all the amazing flavors and turns gorgeously golden when cooked.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning your chicken right from the start means every bite is packed with flavor.
• Cornstarch: This creates a crave-worthily crisp coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce later, too.
• Eggs: The perfect adhesive to help that cornstarch stick and give a beautiful crust.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect light fry.
• Red and green bell peppers: For crunch, color, and a fresh burst that perfectly offsets the rich sauce.
• Pineapple chunks: The sweet star of the show — use fresh or canned for juicy-and-bright flavor in every bite.
• Green onions: A fresh, zippy finishing touch that wakes up the whole dish when sprinkled on top.
• Pineapple juice: The foundation of that irresistible sweet and sour sauce, keeping things tropical and zesty.
• Rice vinegar: Offers the necessary tang to balance the sweetness, giving the sauce real depth.
• Ketchup: Adds familiar sweetness and that classic punchy color.
• Brown sugar: The rich, caramel notes round out the sweetness for a balanced finish.
• Soy sauce: Lends a savory, umami layer that ties all the components together.
• Cornstarch mixed with water: Your trusty slurry for thickening the sauce just right, so it clings to every bite.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken breast pieces with just the right amount of salt and pepper. This basic step is the foundation for flavor, so be generous but not overzealous. Once that’s done, dredge the chicken in cornstarch — give each piece a gentle shake to remove any excess. Then, dip the pieces into the beaten eggs to ensure you get that classic crispy edge once cooked. This two-step coating is what makes Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple so beautifully golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the coated chicken and spread it out evenly. Let the pieces sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to build up a gorgeous crust, then turn and cook until golden on all sides and cooked through — about 5 to 6 minutes total. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside, but don’t clean the pan — you’ll want all those flavorful browned bits for the next step.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Pineapple

Toss your chopped red and green bell peppers straight into the hot pan. Sauté them for around 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just becoming tender-crisp but still keep their bright colors. Next, add the juicy pineapple chunks — their heat will bring out more of their sweetness, creating that signature burst in every forkful.

Step 4: Whisk and Add the Sauce

Now, in a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce until everything dissolves into a gorgeous, glossy liquid. Pour this sauce into the pan with the veggies and pineapple, stirring gently to deglaze the pan and soak up all that flavor. Bring it to a simmer; you’ll start to see the sauce bubbling and thickening ever so slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Thicken Sauce

Return your cooked chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and veggies. Stir together a quick slurry of cornstarch and water, then pour it into the pan. Give everything a good toss as the sauce quickly thickens to that perfect, clingy consistency — every component gets beautifully shiny and evenly coated. Let everything mingle for 1 to 2 more minutes, then turn off the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple generously with sliced green onions. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, and watch as everyone digs in, smiling.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Garnishes

Enhance the vibrant look and layered flavors of Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple by topping it with thinly sliced green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. These finishing touches add a subtle crunch and zip without overpowering the dish’s main flavors. If you like extra color, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro can be a lovely addition.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines next to a mound of steaming jasmine rice or nutty brown rice, perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce. For a lighter feel, serve it with cauliflower rice or a simple stir-fried veggie medley (like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn) that echoes those classic takeout vibes. Egg drop soup or a quick cucumber salad will bring added freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to wow a crowd, try serving Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl — instant tropical flair! For party-friendly bites, thread the cooked chicken, veggies, and pineapple onto skewers, drizzle with sauce, and serve as colorful appetizers. You can even ladle it over noodles instead of rice for a whole new comfort food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, transfer any leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps beautifully for up to three days and the flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze cooled Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice or side dishes, and make sure to squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

When you’re ready to revisit those tangy-sweet flavors, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works perfectly too — just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap if you prefer juicy, slightly richer bites. They’re forgiving if you tend to cook a little longer, and they soak up the sauce beautifully. Just trim excess fat before cutting into pieces.

Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce, and double-check your ketchup and cornstarch are labeled gluten-free. Every other ingredient in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?

A light dredge in cornstarch followed by an egg dip gives a tasty crust, but for maximum crispiness, shallow-fry the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. If you prefer to bake, spray the coated chicken pieces lightly with oil and bake on a wire rack at 425°F until golden and crisp.

Should I use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both work! Fresh pineapple brings a subtle tartness and firmer texture, while canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup) is softer and a little sweeter. Either way, the dish turns out delicious; just use what you have or prefer.

How can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple less sweet?

To dial down the sweetness, simply reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon or use unsweetened pineapple. Taste the sauce as you go — you can always add more vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, color-packed meal that feels like an instant pick-me-up, you can’t go wrong with Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple. It’s vibrant, quick to pull together, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try and turn any night at home into a flavor celebration!

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