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Unlock the Secrets of the Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Unlock the Secrets of the Perfect Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savoury flavours. Tender chicken pieces are lightly coated and fried until golden, then simmered in a vibrant sauce with peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple. It’s quick enough for weeknights but delicious enough for a weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast

  • 6 tablespoons (⅓ cup) cornstarch

  • 50 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil, for frying

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons (⅓ cup) ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 6 tablespoons (⅓ cup) demerara or brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

  • 432 g (15 ¼ oz) canned pineapple pieces, drained (juice reserved)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Place cornstarch in a medium bowl and season generously with salt and pepper.

  • Toss the diced chicken in the cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Fry the chicken on all sides until golden brown.
    The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet.

  • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

3. Cook the Vegetables

  • Add sliced onion to the skillet, scraping up the browned bits.

  • Add the bell peppers and cook until they start to soften.

4. Make the Sauce

  • In a bowl or jug, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

  • Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

  • Stir in the pineapple pieces.

  • Add reserved pineapple juice as needed to thin the sauce.

5. Combine and Finish

  • Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet.

  • Simmer for 5–6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to your liking.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness: Add more pineapple juice or a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness.

  • Make it spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

  • Protein swap: This recipe works great with diced pork or tofu.

  • Crispier chicken: For a crispier coating, double-coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.