Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe With Pineapple

Tired of takeout or bland dinners? This easy sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple is your answer, and I find its bright, tangy aroma and glistening glaze instantly make dinner feel special. Perfect for busy families and home cooks, this particular sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple delivers balanced sweet and tangy flavors in a flash. It’s a quick, vibrant, and satisfying meal everyone will love, making weeknights delicious even when time is short.

Ingredient List With Health & Flavor Roles

Core Ingredients

• Chicken breast: 600g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes (lean, high-protein base).
• Salt: 5g (1 tsp), divided (enhances flavor).
• Black pepper: 2g (½ tsp), divided (adds a subtle kick).
• All-purpose flour: 100g (¾ cup) (for crispy batter).
• Cornstarch: 50g (½ cup) for batter, 15g (1 tbsp) for slurry (creates crispness and thickens sauce).
• Egg: 1 large (binds batter).
• Cold water: 60ml (¼ cup) for batter, 30ml (2 tbsp) for slurry (hydrates and blends).
• Vegetable oil: 750ml (3 cups), for frying (ensures golden, crunchy texture).
• Pineapple juice: 180ml (¾ cup) (natural sweetness, tang).
• Rice vinegar: 60ml (¼ cup) (essential tang for sweet and sour).
• Tamari: 45ml (3 tbsp) (alcohol-free, gluten-free soy sauce alternative, adds umami). Swap: Use regular soy sauce if not gluten-free.
• Light brown sugar: 50g (¼ cup), packed (sweetness, depth). Swap: Honey or maple syrup for a different natural sweetener.
• Ketchup: 80g (⅓ cup) (classic base, color).
• Gochujang: 30g (2 tbsp) (Korean chili paste for a vibrant, mild kick in this sweet and sour chicken recipe).
• Fresh ginger: 15g (1 tbsp), grated (aromatic warmth).
• Fresh garlic: 10g (2 cloves), minced (savory depth).
• Bell peppers: 2 medium (one red, one yellow), cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces (color, vitamins, tender-crisp texture for your sweet and sour chicken recipe).
• Fresh pineapple chunks: 200g (1 cup), or canned (drained) (burst of fruity sweetness).
• Scallions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced (fresh garnish, mild onion flavor).
• Toasted sesame seeds: 5g (1 tsp) (nutty garnish, visual appeal).

Upgraded Picks & Substitutions

To elevate this healthy, family-friendly meal, consider these smart ingredient swaps:

• Opt for organic chicken or use firm tofu for a plant-based protein.
• Fresh pineapple provides brighter flavor; add extra veggies like snap peas for more nutrients.
• For dietary needs, use low-sodium tamari or keto-friendly sweeteners for a low-carb sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Step-by-Step Method Made Simple

1. Prepare Chicken & Batter: Pat 600g (1.3 lbs) chicken dry; season. Whisk flours, salts, peppers for dry mix. Whisk egg and 60ml (¼ cup) water for wet. Combine into a thick, smooth batter (10 minutes prep).
2. Fry Chicken: Heat 750ml (3 cups) oil in a wok to 175°C (350°F). Batter chicken, fry in batches 4-6 minutes until golden. Remove to rack. If oil cools, let it reheat for crispness. My 10-inch skillet works great.
3. Craft Glaze: Whisk pineapple juice, vinegar, tamari, sugar, ketchup, gochujang, ginger, garlic in saucepan. Simmer gently. Whisk cornstarch/water slurry; stir into sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until glossy, thickened.
4. Add Veggies & Pineapple: Stir bell peppers and pineapple chunks into the sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp, vibrant in color.
5. Combine & Serve: Add fried chicken to sauce, toss to coat until glistening. Serve immediately, garnished with scallions/sesame seeds. This is a fantastic sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple!

Occasions & Serving Ideas

This sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple is a true kitchen MVP, fitting seamlessly into various family meal scenarios. It’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknight dinners when time is short, yet you crave something flavorful.

• Situations: Perfect for a quick family meal, simple meal prep, or even as a standout dish at a casual potluck.
• Pairings: Serve this vibrant chicken over fluffy steamed white rice or for a healthier option, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
• Sides: Complement the meal with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh, simple green salad.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice finish.
• Storage & Reheating: Leftovers store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. For reheating, I find gently warming it in a skillet over medium heat or a quick microwave session works best to maintain flavor. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages

Beyond its delicious taste, this easy sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple offers excellent benefits for healthy eating and active lifestyles. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will appreciate.

• High-protein and satisfying meal that helps keep you full longer.
• A healthy dinner idea packed with colorful vegetables and fruit, contributing essential vitamins.
• Customizable for weight management goals; serve with cauliflower rice for a lower-calorie, low-carb meal.
• Offers family-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will love, making dinner stress-free.
• Supports active lifestyles with balanced macros for sustained energy throughout your day.

Time & Budget Insights

Preparing this dish is much quicker and more affordable than ordering takeout. It makes for quick meals that don’t break the bank.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes.
• Cook Time: 20 minutes.
• Total Time: 35 minutes.
• Cost per serving: Approx. $3-$4, a significant saving compared to restaurant meals.
• Money-saving swaps: Opt for frozen chicken breasts, buy bell peppers when they are on sale, and use generic brand ketchup for the sauce.
• Meal Prep Ideas: Double the recipe on a Sunday for easy lunches all week. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine quickly when ready to serve.

Smart Ingredient Shopping

Finding the components for this delightful dish is straightforward, whether you prefer local or convenient options.

• Where to find chicken, pineapple, and veggies: Most major supermarkets carry all the necessary fresh and canned ingredients. Local farmers’ markets are excellent for fresh, seasonal produce.
• Organic vs. Conventional: Choose organic, free-range chicken if your budget allows for higher quality. Conventional vegetables are perfectly fine after a good wash.
• Consider using grocery delivery services for added convenience, especially for busy weeks. You might also check specialty stores for unique sauce ingredients like a specific brand of rice vinegar.

Tips & Adjustments

Here are a few ways to customize your sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple to suit different palates and dietary needs.

• Chef-inspired upgrades: Add a dash of sriracha for a subtle kick, a splash of mirin for extra depth, or a pinch of toasted sesame oil at the very end for an aromatic finish.
• Kid-friendly: To ensure little ones enjoy it, reduce the amount of fresh ginger and garlic slightly, and cut the chicken and pineapple chunks smaller for easier eating.
• Spice lovers: Amp up the heat by stirring in red pepper flakes or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce with the sauce.
• Allergy-friendly: For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder if preferred.

FAQs

Is sweet and sour chicken with pineapple good for meal prep?

Yes, absolutely! This dish is a fantastic meal prep recipe. It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully, making for easy, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What’s the healthiest alternative to sweet and sour chicken?

For a healthier twist, try making the dish with lean ground turkey or firm tofu cubes instead of chicken. Also, load up on extra colorful vegetables like broccoli and snap peas for added fiber and nutrients, reducing the amount of sauce slightly.

Does sweet and sour chicken with pineapple fit into a weight-loss plan?

Yes, it can certainly be part of a weight-loss plan. Focus on lean chicken breast, prioritize extra veggies, and serve it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to significantly reduce calories and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying low-carb meal.

Can I make this sweet and sour chicken recipe gluten-free?

Yes, easily! To make your sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple gluten-free, simply ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always verify that all your other ingredients, especially ketchup and cornstarch, are certified gluten-free.

How can I make the sweet and sour sauce less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, I recommend starting by cutting the brown sugar amount in half and tasting the sauce. You can then add more sugar if needed, or increase the rice vinegar by a tablespoon or two for a tangier profile.

What kind of rice goes best with sweet and sour chicken?

Jasmine rice is a classic and fragrant choice that pairs wonderfully. However, for more fiber and nutrients, brown rice or even quinoa are excellent healthy options to serve alongside your delicious sweet and sour chicken.

Conclusion

Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly sweet and sour chicken recipe with pineapple for a satisfying family meal that delivers on taste and convenience. Pin this recipe for your next busy weeknight or add it to your weekly meal plan today!

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