Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Introduction:

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

This recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with juicy pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, all coated in a glossy sweet and sour sauce.

It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors and flavors.

Perfect for a family dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles and will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, chopped

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating the chicken)

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice

1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

1 tablespoon water (for mixing with cornstarch)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until they are evenly coated.

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.

Prepare the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers, onion, and drained pineapple chunks. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. Then, pour the sautéed vegetables and pineapple over the chicken on the baking sheet.

Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce mixture.

Coat the Chicken and Vegetables:

Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple. Toss everything gently to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients.

Bake the Chicken:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and coating.

Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for garnish. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles on the side.

Conclusion:

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, tangy pineapples, and colorful vegetables in a mouthwatering sauce.

The ease of baking it all in one pan makes it a convenient yet flavorful meal that the whole family can enjoy.

The contrast of sweet and savory notes, combined with the tender texture of the chicken and the crispness of the vegetables, makes this dish an irresistible option for dinner.

Whether served on its own or alongside rice or noodles, this sweet and sour chicken recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!