Description

This vibrant and satisfying sweet and sour chicken recipe features savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and a rainbow of crisp bell peppers in a luscious sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and family-friendly dinner, delivering restaurant-quality taste with a homemade touch.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (use thighs for extra juiciness, breast keeps it lean)
1 large red bell pepper, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 large yellow bell pepper, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup pineapple chunks, canned in juice (drained) or fresh
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
0.5 cup ketchup (low-sugar for healthier eating)
0.25 cup rice vinegar
0.25 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free diets)
2–4 Tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste, or use honey for a refined sugar-free option)
1 Tbsp cornstarch
0.5 cup water or chicken broth
1–2 Tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken into 1-inch, bite-sized pieces. Chop bell peppers, onion, and pineapple into similar 1-inch chunks. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
Whisk Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar, cornstarch, and water or broth until smooth.
Brown Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, searing until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
Sauté Aromatics: Add remaining oil if needed. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Add Bell Peppers and Veggies: Return chicken to skillet. Add chopped bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Simmer with Pineapple: Pour prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir in pineapple chunks. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats ingredients evenly.

Notes

Follow timing cues closely to avoid overcooked chicken or soggy vegetables (aim for crisp-tender results). For best texture and color, select crisp, firm organic bell peppers. Fresh pineapple offers a brighter, zingier flavor if you have it.

Prep Time: 17 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 280 g)
Calories: 370 calories
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 625 mg
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 51 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, family-friendly, sweet and sour, bell pepper, chicken, quick, takeout style, healthy, weeknight