Easy 30-min. Sweet & Sour Chicken

Name: Easy 30-min. Sweet & Sour Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup vinegar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup pineapple chunks

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Create a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with this simple Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tender chicken tossed in a sticky, homemade sauce and served with vibrant vegetables. Quick, satisfying, and bursting with taste, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2025-12-13T17:48:08.852Z

This Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe is not only quick but also a great way to enjoy a homemade meal that rivals takeout.

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Finding a meal that is both quick to prepare and delicious can be challenging, especially during busy weeknights. This Easy 30-min. Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe fits the bill perfectly. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dinner in just half an hour. This recipe alleviates the stress of cooking while ensuring you and your family enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal together.

Not only does this dish come together quickly, but it also provides a complete dinner with protein, vegetables, and a vibrant sauce that complements each component beautifully. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, this sweet and tangy chicken is sure to be a hit.

A Flavorful Family Favorite

One of the best aspects of this Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe is its ability to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sticky, sweet sauce creates an explosion of flavors that excites the taste buds. Parents appreciate the ease of preparation, while kids love the fun and tasty elements, making it an ideal choice for family meals.

The crunchiness of bell peppers and broccoli, paired with the sweetness of pineapple, adds texture and vibrancy to the dish. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that fosters family bonding over shared plates of delicious food.

Customization and Variations

One of the greatest joys of cooking at home is the freedom to personalize your meals. This Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables or proteins. Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different twist. You can also customize the vegetables based on your family’s preferences; zuchinni, snap peas, or carrots make excellent additions.

Adjusting the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce is also easy. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a touch of chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. This adaptability ensures that the dish remains exciting and relevant to your family's changing tastes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Vegetables

1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup pineapple chunks

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch-water mixture. Stir until well combined.

Combine Everything

Add the sauce to the skillet along with the bell pepper, broccoli, and pineapple. Stir to coat everything in the sauce and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Serve

Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!

This dish pairs well with jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

To ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated and flavorful, marinating them for the full 10 minutes is crucial. This brief marination allows the soy sauce and cornstarch to infuse flavors, making the chicken tender and taste-rich. Don't rush this step; it can significantly enhance the overall taste of your dish.

When it comes to cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated before adding the meat. This will help achieve a nice, golden sear, adding a crisp texture outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Always cook in batches if necessary, ensuring that each piece has enough space to brown properly.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet & Sour Chicken is best served hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, which will soak up all the delicious sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice complements the dish beautifully, providing a fragrant base for the vibrant flavors. If you prefer noodles, opt for egg noodles or rice noodles for an excellent pairing.

For a complete meal, consider complementing the dish with a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables. You can also serve a light salad to add freshness and balance. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions right before serving can elevate the dish's presentation and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the Sweet & Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out while maintaining the sauce's texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the dish. When freezing, separate the chicken and sauce from the vegetables to preserve their texture. To consume, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Frozen vegetables work great in this recipe and save you prep time.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use tofu or shrimp as a protein substitute.