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Sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and red bell peppers served over white rice.

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Colleen Shibley
Lightly crisp chicken is tossed with pineapple and red bell pepper in a homemade sweet and sour sauce for an easy takeout-inspired dinner served over rice.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4
Calories 575 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 ¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil plus more as needed for frying

Sauce and Vegetables

  • ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into approximately 1-inch pieces.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a second bowl.
  • Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then toss them in the flour mixture until lightly coated.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Carefully remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tbsp behind. Add the red bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened.
  • Add the pineapple juice, chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water until smooth. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
  • Add the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and serve immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
  • Fry the chicken in batches rather than crowding the skillet.
  • Mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent lumps.
  • For a tangier sauce, add another 1–2 tsp rice vinegar.
  • For a sweeter sauce, add another 1 tbsp brown sugar.
  • The chicken is crispiest when served immediately after being tossed with the sauce.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 575 kcal | Carbohydrates: 57 g | Protein: 38 g | Fat: 21 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Trans Fat: 0.1 g | Cholesterol: 168 mg | Sodium: 493 mg | Potassium: 855 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 25 g | Vitamin A: 1395 IU | Vitamin C: 57 mg | Calcium: 55 mg | Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition information has been calculated using an autogenerating online calculation and is intended for informational purposes. For accurate nutritional information, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used.

Keyword Chinese-American chicken, easy chicken dinner, pineapple chicken, sweet and sour chicken, weeknight dinner
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