Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), sliced; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice, for serving

Highlighted under: Everyday Simple Recipes

I absolutely love making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry at home! It’s one of those dishes that brings back so many memories of family dinners. The balance of flavors – the tanginess of the sauce paired with the crunch of fresh veggies and tender chicken – is simply irresistible. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I often swap in whatever veggies I have on hand, which makes it versatile and allows for creativity every time I whip it up.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:29:27.893Z

Making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry always feels like a celebration in my kitchen. I love how quickly everything comes together and how vibrant the dish looks once plated. Recently, I experimented with adding pineapple for an extra touch of sweetness, and it was a game changer! The tropical flavors blended beautifully with the savory chicken and crisp vegetables.

One of my favorite tips is to marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes in soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking. It not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a wonderful texture that holds up nicely in the stir-fry. I encourage everyone to try this and add their special twist!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy nights
Customizable with your favorite vegetables

Understanding the Balance of Flavors

The key to a great Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry lies in the balance between sweetness and tanginess. The combination of pineapple and brown sugar provides that signature sweetness, while the rice vinegar adds a sharp tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken. When you first combine these ingredients, taste before you start cooking; adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. This is a great opportunity to adapt the sauce to your personal flavor preferences!

Don’t forget about seasoning your vegetables well! While the sauce is essential for flavor, don’t overlook the importance of salting the vegetables during cooking. Salting helps to bring out their natural flavors and keeps them vibrant. If you find the sauce overly sweet, a pinch of salt can help balance it out, enhancing the dish's overall taste without sacrificing any of the key flavors.

Vegetable Variations and Additions

This stir-fry is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use a variety of vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots can make excellent additions. If you're using thicker vegetables like carrots, consider slicing them thinly or pre-steaming them slightly to ensure they cook through in the same time as the others. This attention to prep helps maintain crispness while avoiding overcooking.

For a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also elevates the dish. Another popular variation is to add nuts such as cashews or water chestnuts for an added crunch. These elements bring extra texture and a satisfying bite to each portion of sweet and sour goodness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup bell peppers (red and green), sliced
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice, for serving

With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add garlic, onion, bell peppers, and pineapple. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.

Combine Everything

Add chicken back into the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is coated with sauce and heated through.

Serve

Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry over cooked rice. Enjoy!

This dish is perfect for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider tossing in some cashews or water chestnuts just before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat for the best results; this helps retain the chicken's tenderness and prevents sogginess that can come from microwaving. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and restore some crispness to the vegetables.

If you decide to prepare this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the chicken and vegetables separately from the sauce. Store the elements separately and combine them right before serving. This method maintains the freshness of the vegetables and the sauce’s vibrant flavors, ensuring a delightful meal even when prepped in advance.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for larger gatherings or meal prep. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly; for instance, if you're doubling the chicken, maintain the same ratio of vegetables and sauce components. Just ensure that you have a large enough skillet to accommodate the increased volume. Depending on your pan size, you may prefer to cook in batches to maintain even cooking and browning.

When increasing quantity, pay attention to cooking times as well. While the chicken should still reach a golden brown, the overall cooking time may slightly increase due to the larger amount of ingredients. Use visual cues – like vibrant colors in vegetables – to determine doneness. Keeping an eye on texture will help prevent overcooking and ensure your dish remains delicious and fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add a teaspoon of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

→ Can I substitute the chicken for tofu?

Absolutely! Tofu is a great alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just ensure to press and cube it before sautéing.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.