Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and green); 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 cup onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

I absolutely love making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry because it’s not only quick to prepare, but it also bursts with flavors and vibrant colors. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a dish that brings a smile to my family’s faces. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and that tangy-sweet sauce is irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies into our meals. This stir-fry has become a staple in our household, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:34:27.362Z

When I first tried making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it all came together. The key to this dish is the balance of flavors in the sauce, which I enhance with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture and a hint of nuttiness. I’ve found that using fresh pineapple adds an extra juiciness that elevates the taste and complements the dish perfectly.

Another tip I learned along the way is to pre-cook the chicken until golden brown before adding the vegetables. This ensures the chicken stays moist while allowing the veggies to retain their crunch. As I serve it over fluffy rice, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment watching my loved ones enjoy every bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors that excite your palate
Packed with fresh vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal
Quick and easy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights

Choosing the Right Chicken

For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean quality and quick cooking time. Slice it into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, which should take about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat. If you're looking to add a bit more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 15-30 minutes in soy sauce or a little ginger before cooking to elevate the overall taste of your stir-fry.

If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can also work wonderfully in this dish. They have a richer flavor and can handle higher heat without drying out. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to reach that perfect golden sear.

Perfecting Your Sauce

The sauce is the star of this Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry, balancing the savory and slightly sweet components beautifully. A crucial step is to mix the corn starch with the other sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to the skillet—this prevents clumping and helps achieve that glossy finish. If you find your sauce too thick, a splash of water or additional vinegar can help loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

To customize the sweetness and tanginess, feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar to your preference. Brown sugar can be substituted for white sugar for a deeper flavor, while apple cider vinegar can offer a fruitier twist compared to rice vinegar. Just remember to taste as you go, ensuring the sauce meets your ideal flavor balance.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, I love placing this stir-fry over fluffy white rice, but it also pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist. For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or additional sesame seeds on top. If you want to make this dish even more substantial, consider adding cashews or peanuts for a delightful texture contrast.

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry also reheats beautifully, making it a great leftover option. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, a quick stir in a skillet over medium heat will bring back the flavors and keep the veggies from becoming too soft.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry:

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and green)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 cup onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add Vegetables

Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add Pineapple

Gently fold in the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional minute.

Serve

Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds before enjoying!

Cooking is all about timing and keeping an eye on the colors!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can also use your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for variation.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to switch things up, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can add great color and additional nutrients to your dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly; firmer vegetables will require an extra minute or two in the pan to reach desired tenderness.

For a lower-carb option, swap out sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, which can help reduce calories without sacrificing that signature sweet flavor. Additionally, if you're watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish healthy.

Make-Ahead Tips

This stir-fry is perfect for meal prep. You can chop the chicken and veggies a day in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to meld together if you choose to marinate the chicken beforehand.

When it comes to storing leftovers, make sure to let the stir-fry cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will maintain its flavors better if stored in the fridge and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring a quick meal is always available.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir-fry.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

→ Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Tofu or shrimp are great alternatives if you prefer a different protein.

→ What can I serve with this stir-fry?

It's perfect over rice or served with noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.