Why You’ll Love this Sweet-Sour Chicken
Three things make this Sweet-Sour Chicken a must-try for your weeknight dinner rotation.
First, it’s lightning-fast—ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Who doesn’t need that on busy evenings?
Second, the balance of flavors is absolutely perfect, with honey and pineapple bringing sweetness while soy sauce adds that savory depth.
Third, it’s completely customizable. Don’t like bell peppers? Swap in broccoli or snap peas. Need it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes.
Trust me, this will become your go-to when Chinese takeout cravings hit.
What Ingredients are in Sweet-Sour Chicken?
When I think about the perfect sweet-sour chicken, it’s all about balancing those contrasting flavors and textures. This recipe achieves that balance beautifully with just the right mix of protein, vegetables, and a sauce that’s simultaneously tangy, sweet, and savory. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, and you might already have many of them sitting in your pantry or fridge right now.
Isn’t it wonderful when a delicious meal doesn’t require a special trip to some fancy grocery store?
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1½ pounds skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- 2 large red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 6 scallions (green onions), cut into 1-inch pieces
One of the great things about this ingredient list is how adaptable it’s to what you have on hand. Don’t have red bell peppers? Green or yellow work just fine.
The cornstarch is non-negotiable though—it’s what gives the sauce that perfect, glossy thickness that clings to every piece of chicken. And while some sweet-sour chicken recipes call for loads of sugar, this one uses a more balanced approach with just honey and the natural sweetness of pineapple.
Your taste buds—and possibly your waistline—will thank you for this slightly healthier take on a takeout favorite.
How to Make this Sweet-Sour Chicken
Making this sweet-sour chicken is surprisingly straightforward, even for those of us who might get a little nervous about wok cooking. You’ll start by preheating your wok over medium heat and adding 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until it’s hot but not smoking—that’s an important distinction, as smoking oil can give your dish an unpleasant burnt flavor.
Once the oil is ready, add your 1½ pounds of chicken breast strips and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for that moment when no pink remains, and I like to stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Now comes the fun part where all those delicious flavors start coming together. Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of honey, that entire 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks with all its juice (don’t drain it—the juice is liquid gold for this sauce), and your 2 large red bell peppers cut into strips.
Let this mixture cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until you notice the sauce beginning to bubble around the edges. For a spectacular presentation that will impress your dinner guests, consider using a copper flambé pan to add a touch of elegance to your cooking process. While that’s happening, grab a small bowl to combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, whisking them together into a smooth slurry. This mixture is the secret to that restaurant-quality thickness we all crave in sweet-sour sauce.
When your honey mixture is happily bubbling away, it’s time to add that soy sauce and cornstarch mixture. This is where the magic happens—within 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll see the sauce transform, becoming glossier and thicker right before your eyes.
Finally, toss in those 6 scallions cut into 1-inch pieces and give everything a good stir until all components are well coated in that gorgeous sauce. The scallions add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the sweetness, and their bright green color makes the whole dish look even more appetizing.
Who needs takeout when you can create this perfectly balanced sweet-sour chicken in your own kitchen? For an authentic smoky flavor, try preparing this recipe using an outdoor grill smoker combo that will elevate the dish with delicious chargrilled notes.
Sweet-Sour Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While this sweet-sour chicken recipe is delicious as written, I’m a firm believer that recipes should be flexible frameworks rather than rigid rules.
Don’t have chicken? Try using pork loin or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. The bell peppers can be swapped for broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for different textures.
Not a fan of pineapple? Mandarin oranges or peaches work nicely, though you’ll need to adjust the sweetness. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
Want it tangier? A splash of rice vinegar does wonders. Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with Sweet-Sour Chicken
So what’s the best way to complete a sweet-sour chicken meal? I always reach for steamed jasmine rice—it’s perfect for soaking up that thick, glossy sauce.
Brown rice works beautifully too if you’re craving something heartier.
For veggie sides, I love pairing this dish with stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli. The mild, green flavors balance the sweet-tangy punch of the chicken.
Want something more substantial? Vegetable spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad add wonderful texture contrasts.
Can’t forget beverages—a light jasmine tea or crisp lager beer cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this sweet-sour chicken, I’m reminded why it’s become such a beloved classic in home kitchens everywhere. The balance of tangy pineapple, vibrant bell peppers, and that perfectly thickened sauce coating tender chicken pieces creates magic on your plate.
What I love most about this recipe? Its versatility. Don’t have red peppers? Green work beautifully too. Want it spicier? Add some crushed red pepper flakes. The cornstarch slurry is truly the secret weapon here, transforming a simple sauce into that restaurant-quality glaze we all crave.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish proves homemade can be both simple and spectacular. Similar to the simplicity of a taco salad recipe, you can customize this dish to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining its delicious flavor profile. For a complete meal, serve this sweet-sour chicken over leftover rice that’s been quickly stir-fried with some vegetables and soy sauce.
