Tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple
Imagine a dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, offering a delightful burst of taste in every bite. This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is that dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and juicy pineapple creates a symphony of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. The sweet and tangy sauce beautifully coats the chicken, while the pineapple chunks add a refreshing twist that enhances the overall experience.
Colorful Ingredients for the Perfect Dish
Creating Sweet and Sour Chicken begins with selecting vibrant ingredients.
Tender chicken breast serves as the main star, providing a satisfying protein base.
Add colorful bell peppers for crunch and a refreshing bite, along with juicy pineapple chunks that bring a hint of sweetness to the dish.

The combination of these ingredients not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal.
When cooked, the colors create an inviting plate that tempts the palate even before the first bite.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
Marinating the chicken is a simple yet effective step to infuse flavor.
Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate the taste, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
Let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes to soak up the seasoning, making it juicy and flavorful.
Whipping Up the Sauce
The sauce is a key component of this dish, balancing sweetness with tang.
Whisk together sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce to create a rich, glossy coating.
Adding a cornstarch mixture helps thicken the sauce, giving it a velvety texture that clings to the chicken and vegetables wonderfully.
The Cooking Process
Cooking the chicken requires a hot skillet or wok.
Searing the marinated chicken until golden brown locks in flavor and provides a delightful texture.
Next, sauté onions and bell peppers until slightly tender, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge.
Bringing it all together is the final step.
Combine the chicken, colorful veggies, and pineapple with the sauce, stirring until everything is well-coated and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation plays a crucial role in any meal.
Serve this vibrant dish over a bed of fluffy white rice, creating a hearty base.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.
The result is a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, with flavors that please everyone at the table.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only tasty but also a balanced meal option.
Each serving provides an excellent source of protein, along with vitamins from the colorful vegetables.
At approximately 320 calories per serving, it fits well into a variety of dietary plans, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion.
Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a glossy sweet and sour sauce, complemented by colorful bell peppers and sweet pineapple. The taste is a delightful mix of sweetness from the pineapple and the savory depth of the chicken, with a hint of tanginess that keeps the palate excited.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, add pineapple chunks and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Spoon the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g