Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce

Highlighted under: Easy Global Meals

I absolutely love whipping up this Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry when I want a quick meal that bursts with flavor. It's a vibrant dish filled with tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a tangy sauce that really ties everything together. The best part is how customizable it is; you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or even use tofu for a plant-based option. Plus, it takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when I still want a delicious homemade dinner.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:21:28.164Z

When I first attempted this Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry, I was amazed by how quickly dinner could come together without sacrificing taste. I used a mix of bell peppers, pineapple, and broccoli, and they added both texture and sweetness. The secret is in the sauce, which balances tartness and sweetness perfectly, making it hard to stop at just one serving!

Over time, I learned to marinate the chicken briefly to infuse it with flavor before cooking. This simple step elevates the dish, giving it a richer taste in every bite. Trust me, it's worth the extra few minutes for that deliciously tender and flavorful chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess
Fresh and crunchy vegetables enhance each bite
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Key Techniques for Perfect Stir-fry

Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that signature quick-cooked texture while preserving the freshness of the ingredients. Preheating your skillet or wok over medium-high heat before adding the oil is crucial. You’ll want the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough for frying. This ensures that the chicken begins to sear immediately, developing a nice brown color without steaming in the pan.

For the chicken, cutting it into uniform bite-sized pieces not only ensures even cooking but also allows for better marination. When combining the soy sauce and cornstarch, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly, which helps to lock in moisture and flavor during cooking. Keep the chicken in a single layer in the pan for optimal browning; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead.

Understanding Ingredient Roles

The sweet and sour sauce is the star of this dish, providing contrast to the savory chicken and enhancing the overall profile. You can easily make your sauce from scratch using a blend of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, allowing you to tweak the sweetness and tanginess to your preference. Alternatively, store-bought varieties save time, but it’s effective to read the ingredient labels to avoid those with artificial additives.

Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli not only add vibrant color but also contribute crucial crunch and nutrition. If you prefer a different texture or flavor, zucchini or snap peas can work beautifully in this stir-fry. Just be mindful of cooking times; softer vegetables require less time in the pan to maintain their integrity and color.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a perfect stir-fry:

For the Stir-fry

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup pineapple chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce

Prepare your ingredients and get ready for a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your stir-fry:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the veggies.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Veggies

Add the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Stir in the pineapple chunks and sweet and sour sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, add cashews or sesame seeds before serving. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your preference for a more personalized taste!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance to save time on busy weeknights. The marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, chop your veggies just before cooking to keep them fresh and vibrant. Should you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days to maintain quality.

If you want to freeze the stir-fry, it’s best to do so before adding the sweet and sour sauce. Freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in portions, and when ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat with the sauce until heated through, ensuring the final dish retains its original flavor.

Variations to Try

For a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the dish just before serving. This complementary heat balances well with the sweetness of the pineapple and sauce. Alternatively, swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences, adjusting the cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks faster than chicken, while tofu should be pressed for maximum absorption of flavors.

Experimenting with different vegetables can lead to delightful variations. Snow peas, carrots, or even baby corn can add unique textures and flavors. For a seasonal twist, include squash in the mix during the summer months or sauté spinach at the end for a boost of iron and brilliant color.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or beef work great in this recipe.

→ What can I serve it with?

This stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can pre-chop the ingredients and store them in the fridge.

→ How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat!