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Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Easy sweet and sour chicken is a quick, family-friendly dish featuring crispy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a homemade takeout classic that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (plus 1 tbsp for slurry)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil for pan-frying
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each piece in beaten egg, then coat in cornstarch.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté bell peppers, onion, and pineapple for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple juice if using.
  5. Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Heat through.
  8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for quick assembly.
  • For extra crispiness, wait to combine the chicken with the sauce until just before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/easy-sweet-and-sour-chicken/