Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

April 9, 2025

Updated:

April 9, 2025

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The aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with the sweet tang of pineapple is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Sweet and sour chicken (halal) is not just a dish; it’s an experience that pulls you in with its bright colors and tantalizing flavors. Imagine biting into tender chunks of chicken coated in a glossy orange sauce that’s both sweet and zesty—it’s like a party on your taste buds.

I first discovered this delightful dish during my college years when I attempted to impress a crush with my culinary skills. Spoiler alert: it worked! We devoured every last bite while laughing over my questionable chopping skills. Since then, this recipe has become a staple at family gatherings and casual dinners alike. The excitement builds as you prepare this dish—it promises joy in every single bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) is a breeze to whip up on busy nights
Its bright colors make it visually stunning on your dinner table
Packed with flavor, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that everyone will love
Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this dish easily adapts to your preferences

I remember the first time I made this for my family; their smiles said it all as they licked their plates clean.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for the perfect amount; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works fine; both add juicy sweetness to the dish.
Red Bell Pepper: Choose a firm pepper for crunch; the color brightens up your dish beautifully.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds extra color and flavor; feel free to use yellow peppers if you prefer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose cloves that are firm for optimal flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener for that luscious sauce; don’t skip it!
Brown Sugar: Balances the tanginess perfectly; light or dark brown sugar works well here.
Vinegar (Rice or White): Adds that needed acidity to balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: For frying up that delicious chicken until golden brown.

For the Sauce:

Ketchup: Yes, you read that right! It adds an unexpected but delightful flavor twist.
Water: Helps create the right consistency in your sauce—don’t forget to mix!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop your bell peppers into strips—aim for colorful slices that will catch everyone’s eye.

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces until they turn golden brown—about 5-7 minutes should do it.

Add Garlic and Peppers: Toss in minced garlic along with your vibrant bell peppers. Cook until they soften slightly—around 3-4 minutes will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.

Create the Sauce Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth—this is where magic happens!

Pour Sauce Over Chicken & Veggies : Once everything is cooked perfectly in the skillet, pour your sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies. Stir well until everything is coated—about 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Simmer & Serve!: Let everything simmer gently for another 4-5 minutes so flavors meld together beautifully. Serve hot over rice or noodles—enjoy every savory bite!

This Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) recipe promises to be a hit at any gathering!

You Must Know

Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) is not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion!
The balance of tangy and sweet makes it irresistible
Don’t forget to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor penetration
A splash of pineapple juice adds an extra zing!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken until golden brown, then stir-fry the vegetables while preparing the sauce to maximize flavor and efficiency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference, or add cashews for an extra crunch. Experiment with different sauces too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet for that fresh taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve that perfect caramelization, ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken
Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary
Finally, allow the sauce to thicken slightly for a more luxurious texture that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken

Sharing this recipe with friends brought back memories of my first culinary disaster when I accidentally added too much vinegar. The kitchen smelled like a pickle factory! Thankfully, laughter saved dinner that night, and now Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) is always a hit.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs add richness and flavor to your Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal).

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substituting soy sauce with tamari will keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

What sides pair well with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or with crispy noodles for a delightful meal experience.

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