Introduction
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers is one of those dishes that perfectly balances flavor, texture, and comfort. It’s a restaurant-style favorite that you can easily make at home, bringing together crispy chicken pieces, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce.
This dish originates from Chinese cuisine but has become a global comfort classic—beloved for its bold flavors and vibrant presentation. The sweetness of pineapple combined with the zing of vinegar and the savoriness of soy sauce makes every bite irresistible. Paired with fluffy steamed rice, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies both the eyes and the taste buds.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s better than takeout yet simple to prepare. The chicken turns beautifully golden and crispy, the sauce is bright and flavorful, and the combination of sweet pineapple with crunchy peppers is unbeatable.
It’s also a versatile dish—you can make it with chicken breast or thighs, fry it crispy or cook it lightly for a healthier version. The sauce is the real star: tangy, sweet, sticky, and perfect for clinging to each piece of chicken.
For me, it’s one of those recipes that instantly lifts my mood because it feels both comforting and festive—a dish that’s as good for family dinners as it is for entertaining guests.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers is one of those dishes that truly checks all the boxes—flavor, texture, nutrition, and presentation. It’s the kind of meal that delivers a satisfying restaurant-quality experience right at home. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out on trying it:
- Perfect Flavor Harmony – The dish strikes the ideal balance between sweet and tangy. The natural sweetness of pineapple paired with the tang of vinegar and the savory depth of soy sauce creates a sauce that’s addictive and mouthwatering.
- Crispy Meets Juicy – The chicken is crispy on the outside yet tender inside, while the peppers stay crunchy, and the pineapple adds bursts of juicy freshness. This mix of textures makes every bite exciting.
- Visually Stunning – With its vibrant red, yellow, and green peppers, golden chicken, and glossy sauce, the dish looks as appetizing as it tastes. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
- Family-Friendly Favorite – Kids love the sweetness, while adults enjoy the tangy depth of flavor. It’s a dish that pleases every generation, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Customizable and Versatile – Whether you want it spicy, vegetarian, baked instead of fried, or served over noodles instead of rice, this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.
- Quick Yet Impressive – In under 40 minutes, you can create a meal that feels special, making it ideal for weeknight dinners as well as entertaining guests.
- Better than Takeout – Homemade means fresher ingredients, less oil, and the ability to control sweetness and saltiness—so it’s not only tastier but also healthier.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~420 kcal (without rice)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into chunks
- 1 small onion, chopped into chunks
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into egg, then coat in flour-cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Stir until glossy and smooth.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a drizzle of oil.
- Add onion and peppers, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add pineapple chunks and toss briefly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add fried chicken to the wok.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Cook 1–2 more minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
- It also pairs beautifully with noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Recipe Tips
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use fresh pineapple for extra juiciness, but canned works just as well.
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat with flour and cornstarch.
- Balance the sauce: add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or soy sauce for depth.
Variations
- Healthier Version: Skip frying and pan-sear the chicken or bake it.
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Vegetarian: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Tropical Style: Add mango or papaya along with pineapple for a fruitier taste.
- Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers is the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, tangy, and sweet. It’s colorful, delicious, and makes dinner feel like a treat without requiring a trip to the restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is a must-try—it’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers
Description
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers is one of those dishes that perfectly balances flavor, texture, and comfort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
For the Stir-Fry:
Garnish:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into egg, then coat in flour-cornstarch mixture. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
-
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Stir until glossy and smooth.
-
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat a drizzle of oil. Add onion and peppers, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add pineapple chunks and toss briefly.
-
Step 4: Combine Everything: Add fried chicken to the wok. Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Cook 1–2 more minutes until heated through.
