Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
This Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple is the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, making it an ideal dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. While the recipe does require some attention to detail, it’s definitely worth the effort. The tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and juicy pineapple are coated in a luscious sweet and sour sauce that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to make it a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 1 lb (about 2 breasts) |
| Onion (diced) | 1 1/2 medium |
| Red bell pepper (sliced) | 1 |
| Pineapple chunks (with juice) | 1 can (about 14 oz) |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Chicken broth | 1/3 cup |
| White wine vinegar | 1/3 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 488.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 424.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 41.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 35.6 g |
| Protein | 37.4 g |
Instructions
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Heat the oil: Begin by heating a little oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
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Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan.
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Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are beginning to soften and develop a bit of color.
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Add pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks along with their juice. This will add the signature sweetness and juiciness to the dish. Mix everything together, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the pineapple and chicken to soak up the flavors.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and soy sauce, mixing well to ensure no lumps remain. Add sugar, chicken broth, and white wine vinegar to the bowl and stir until everything is fully incorporated. If you like, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the dish’s bright appearance.
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Thicken the sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables. Stir the ingredients together until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, serve the dish hot, best paired with steamed rice to absorb all that delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Prep: For even cooking, try to slice your chicken into uniform pieces. This will help it cook more evenly and give you more surface area for flavor absorption.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more sugar. For a tangier profile, increase the amount of vinegar or add a touch more soy sauce for depth.
- Vegetable Variety: While red bell peppers and onions are classic, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to brighten up your dinner table. The savory chicken, tender vegetables, and sweet pineapple combined with a flavorful sauce create a balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit. And the best part? It’s quick and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet fancy enough to serve for special occasions.
