Irresistible Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Okay, let’s talk weeknight dinners! You know those nights when you’re *craving* something flavorful but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen makes you want to order takeout? That’s where this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe comes in, and trust me, it’s a total game-changer.

I grew up on sweet and sour chicken, but honestly, sometimes it could be kinda…meh. Too sweet, not enough sour, you know? But then I started adding pineapple – BAM! Total flavor explosion! The pineapple just adds this incredible tanginess that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Plus, it’s just so darn easy to throw together. Seriously, even on my busiest nights, I can whip this up, and everyone’s happy. It’s way better than takeout and you know exactly what’s going into it – good stuff only!

I’ve been tweaking this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe for years and I think I’ve finally nailed it. You are going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Okay, so why should you make *this* sweet and sour chicken recipe? Let me tell you, it’s not just another recipe – it’s a weeknight savior! Seriously, here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

Quick and Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Seriously, from fridge to table in like, 30 minutes! The sauce is super simple, and the chicken cooks up fast. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving.

Delicious Sweet and Sour Flavor

That perfect balance of sweet and tangy? Yep, this recipe nails it. The pineapple really brightens everything up and keeps it from being just another boring sweet and sour dish.

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is a Family Favorite

Even picky eaters love this! The sweetness appeals to kids, but the pineapple and the little bit of spice keep it interesting for the adults. Win-win!

Customizable Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Want it sweeter? Add a touch more brown sugar! More sour? A splash of vinegar! Spicy? Go crazy with the red pepper flakes! It’s *your* sweet and sour chicken, so make it how *you* like it!

Ingredients for Your Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe:

• Grab ¼ cup of fresh pineapple juice. Seriously, fresh is best here!
• You’ll want 2 cloves of garlic, minced. I like to use a garlic press, but chopping works too!
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar – it gives it that perfect tang!
• 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce – keeps the salt level in check.
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar – for that caramel-y sweetness.
• Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of ketchup!
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch – this is for thickening the sauce.
• Now for the chicken: 1¼ lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts OR thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I usually go with thighs ’cause they’re juicier!
• You’ll also need ⅓ cup of cornstarch – this is for coating the chicken.
• 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil for cooking.
• Chop up 1 medium onion into a large dice.
• And 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, seeded and also cut into a large dice.
• Of course, we need 1½ cups of fresh pineapple chunks!
• A couple of pinches of red pepper flakes – adjust to your taste!
• Salt and pepper, to taste.
• Oh, and some cooked rice or Chinese noodles to serve it on, but that’s totally optional!

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe is super easy to follow. Let’s break it down step-by-step!

Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce

First, let’s whip up that amazing sauce! Grab a small saucepan and toss in your pineapple juice, minced garlic, water, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and that one tablespoon of cornstarch. Now, turn the heat to low and let it simmer. Make sure you’re whisking frequently, or it might get lumpy – nobody wants lumpy sauce! Keep simmering until it thickens up nicely. Then, cover it and take it off the heat. Set it aside for now; we’ll need it later!

Coating the Chicken for Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Next up, the chicken! Get a large Ziploc bag, throw in your chicken pieces, and add the ⅓ cup of cornstarch. Seal that bag up tight and shake, shake, shake! You want to make sure every piece of chicken is fully coated. This is what makes it nice and crispy. Before you toss the chicken in the pan, give it a good shake to get rid of any extra cornstarch. Trust me, you don’t want a powdery mess!

Cooking the Chicken Perfectly

Alright, heat up 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken – making sure to shake off any extra cornstarch, remember? Cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides and cooked all the way through. This should take about 4-5 minutes. But keep an eye on it! If it starts to get too brown or stick to the pan, just turn the heat down a little. Nobody likes burnt chicken! Once it’s done, take the chicken out of the skillet and put it on a plate.

Adding Vegetables and Pineapple

Now, add about a tablespoon of oil to the skillet, still over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook for a minute or two, until it starts to soften. Then, add your diced bell peppers – both the green and the red. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring now and then, until the peppers are a little tender.

Combining Everything for the Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Time to bring it all together! Turn the heat down to low, then add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Cook for about a minute. Now, pour that amazing sweet and sour sauce you made earlier into the skillet. Add your pineapple chunks, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like it!), and a little salt, to taste. Gently stir everything together so it’s all nicely coated in the sauce. Let it heat through for a few minutes, until it’s all warmed up and bubbly. And that’s it! You’re ready to serve!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Okay, let’s talk swaps! Sometimes you’re missing an ingredient, or maybe you just want to mix things up. No problem! Here’s the lowdown on some easy substitutions for this killer Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple recipe:

Pineapple Substitutions

No fresh pineapple? No sweat! Canned pineapple chunks work great too. Just make sure you drain ’em *really* well before you toss ’em in. You don’t want a watery sauce!

Sauce Adjustments

Sauce not quite right? If it’s not sweet enough, a drizzle of honey does the trick. Too sweet? Add a splash more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up!

Chicken Alternatives

Not feeling chicken? Tofu works great for a vegetarian option! Just press it to get rid of extra water and cube it up. Or, try shrimp! Shrimp cooks super fast, so just add it in towards the end. Yum!

Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Want to take your Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple from good to AMAZING? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Seriously, this is a biggie! If you cram too much chicken into the skillet at once, it’ll end up steaming instead of browning. And nobody wants pale, sad chicken! Cook it in batches, trust me, it’s worth it!

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

Okay, this is YOUR sweet and sour chicken, so make sure it tastes how YOU like it! Give the sauce a little taste before you toss everything together. Need more tang? Add a splash of vinegar! Want it sweeter? A little brown sugar will do the trick! You’re the boss!

Serve Immediately for the Best Flavor and Texture

This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is best served fresh, right out of the pan. The chicken is crispy, the veggies are tender-crisp, and the sauce is perfectly glossy. Leftovers are still good, but nothing beats that fresh-cooked flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Okay, you’ve got this amazing Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple ready to go… now what do you serve it with? Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

Classic Pairings

You can’t go wrong with rice! Fluffy white rice, brown rice, even coconut rice is amazing. Or, if you’re feeling noodly, try some Chinese noodles. So good!

Vegetable Sides

Want to add some extra veggies? Steamed broccoli or green beans are a perfect, simple side. They add a nice pop of green and a little crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple Recipe:

Can I make Sweet and Sour Chicken ahead of time?

You *can*, but honestly, it’s best fresh. If you *need* to, store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a skillet until it’s crispy again, then add the sauce and pineapple. It won’t be *quite* as good as fresh, but it’ll still be tasty!

Is this Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

As written, no, because of the soy sauce. BUT! You can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes almost exactly the same but is gluten-free. Just double-check all your other ingredients to be super sure!

How spicy is this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple dish?

It’s pretty mild as written, with just a pinch or two of red pepper flakes. But you can totally crank up the heat! Add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Go wild! Just taste as you go, so you don’t accidentally set your mouth on fire. Oops!

Can I use frozen pineapple for this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple?

Sure thing! Just thaw it completely and drain off any extra liquid before you add it to the skillet. Frozen pineapple can sometimes be a little water-y, so you don’t want to end up with a soggy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep that Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple tasting its best:

Storing Leftovers

Pop that chicken into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat – that’ll help keep the chicken a little crispier. Or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just heat it in short bursts so it doesn’t get rubbery.

Nutritional Information for Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Okay, so just a heads-up: the nutrition info can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, so don’t take it as gospel! It’s just a general estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple!

Alright, you did it! You made some seriously delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy! Oh, and hey, if you loved this recipe as much as I do, I’d love it if you left a comment or gave it a rating! And don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Happy cooking!

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