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 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, and green); 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch piece of ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice for serving

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

I love whipping up Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry when I want a quick, vibrant meal that bursts with flavor. This dish combines succulent chicken with colorful veggies and a tangy sauce that is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the sour notes of the vinegar, creating a delightful balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:37:28.026Z

One of my favorite moments in the kitchen is watching the vibrant colors of the veggies come alive as they sizzle in the pan. I remember experimenting with the sweet and sour sauce, adjusting the ingredients until I found the perfect balance. Adding a splash of orange juice really brightens it up! The satisfaction of creating a meal that's both visually appealing and delicious is something I always cherish.

I've also learned that letting the chicken marinate for a bit really enhances its flavor and tenderness. I recommend using fresh ginger and garlic for a fragrant touch. This dish not only tastes amazing but also brings a colorful presentation to the table, making it a hit for family dinners or when entertaining guests.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy nights
Colorful presentation that impresses guests

Essential Techniques for Stir-frying

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick movements to achieve that signature sear while retaining the crispness of vegetables. I recommend preheating your skillet or wok until it is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles upon contact. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat. Using a large, flat spatula allows you to toss and flip the ingredients effectively, helping to cook everything evenly without steaming.

Another key technique is to keep all your ingredients close at hand. The cooking process happens quickly, and having everything prepped and ready to go—often referred to as 'mise en place'—will prevent any delays. As soon as the chicken is safely browned, promptly add your veggies to maintain their texture and vibrant color.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of pineapple and soy sauce is what really elevates this dish. The pineapple’s natural sugars caramelize when stir-fried, enhancing its sweetness and balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you can, opt for fresh pineapple—its flavor is brighter and more refreshing compared to canned varieties. However, if you do use canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture affecting the dish’s final texture.

Bell peppers add a beautiful color palette and a sweet crunch, but you can certainly experiment with other vegetables like snap peas or carrots. Keeping the vegetables a variety of shapes enhances the presentation, so consider slicing bell peppers into strips instead of dicing them. This not only gives a different texture but also allows for even cooking during the short stir-fry time.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry:

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, and green)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice for serving

Make sure to check your pantry for these staples:

Instructions

Follow these steps for a quick and tasty stir-fry:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

Stir-fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Stir in the diced bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fry, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding some cashews or sesame seeds before serving. Vegetables can be swapped based on personal preference or seasonality.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great things about Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry is that it can be made in advance. Prepare the stir-fry, but don’t add the sauce until you’re ready to serve. Store the cooked chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that over time, the vegetables will soften slightly, so try to consume them sooner for the best texture.

If you're planning to freeze leftovers, I suggest portioning out the stir-fry in freezer-safe containers after it's cooked. It will stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat in a hot skillet to retain texture and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve your Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry over fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and adds substance to the meal. For a twist, consider using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and a touch of elegance.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider serving this dish with a side of spring rolls or egg rolls. They complement the sweet and tangy flavors well. Additionally, a simple side salad with a citrus dressing can provide a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the stir-fry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers or mixed vegetables. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding.

→ What can I substitute for honey or brown sugar?

You can use maple syrup or coconut sugar as an alternative sweetener.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure that your vinegar is gluten-free.

→ Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just stir-fry them when you're ready to eat.