Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal that delivers that classic takeout taste in a fraction of the time. Juicy chicken is tossed in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce made with pantry staples, all cooked up in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighscornstarchsaltblack peppervegetable oilgarlicbell peppers (red, yellow, or green)pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)ketchuprice vinegarsoy saucesugarpineapple juice or watercooked white rice (for serving)green onions or sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat lightly.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Add garlic, diced bell peppers, and pineapple chunks. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender.

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice (or water).

Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss everything to coat.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.

Add onions, carrots, or snap peas for extra veggies.

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.Freezing is not recommended due to the cornstarch coating, which may lose texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just skip the browning step and add it when mixing in the sauce.

Do I need to use pineapple?

It adds classic flavor, but you can omit or substitute with mango or orange segments.

Is this dish very sweet?

It’s balanced with tangy vinegar, but you can reduce the sugar if you prefer.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

What rice works best?

Steamed white rice, jasmine, or brown rice are great options.

Can I use frozen peppers?

Yes, just sauté a bit longer to remove excess moisture.

Why cornstarch on the chicken?

It creates a light crust and helps the sauce cling better.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it stores well for lunches or quick reheats throughout the week.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding.

Can I bake this instead?

It’s best stir-fried for texture, but you can bake the coated chicken and add sauce after.

Conclusion

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is your go-to solution for fast, flavorful dinners that don’t compromise on taste. With juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and that signature sauce, this dish hits every note of classic takeout—without the wait or the delivery fee. Quick, easy, and always satisfying!