Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect go-to dish when you’re short on time but craving a flavorful, comforting meal. With a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and savory chicken, this dish brings the classic takeout favorite to your table in just minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)cornstarchvegetable oilbell peppers (red and green, chopped)pineapple chunks (drained)garlic (minced)ketchuprice vinegarsoy saucebrown sugarsalt and pepper (to taste)

directions

Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.

Add chopped bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Stir in pineapple chunks.

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar to make the sauce.

Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until coated in the sauce.

Cook for another minute until heated through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3-4 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.

Add onions or snap peas for extra crunch and flavor.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Use pre-cooked chicken to cut the cooking time further.

Swap pineapple for mango chunks for a tropical twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.For best texture, avoid freezing as the sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating with cornstarch.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same steps.

What kind of vinegar works best?

Rice vinegar is ideal for its mild flavor, but apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

What can I serve with this dish?

Steamed white rice, fried rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps all pair beautifully.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Let it simmer a bit longer to thicken or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and veggies ahead to save time.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet and tangy flavors are usually a hit with kids.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and quick way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this simple recipe offers the perfect balance of convenience and taste—ready in a flash and sure to please.