If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess, this Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken pieces, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple, all coated in a luscious sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony.
What I love about this recipe is how it delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy bell peppers, and savory chicken creates a dynamic taste profile that’s sure to please your palate. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish is not only delicious, but it also offers a colorful presentation that’s perfect for serving. With its enticing aromas and vibrant colors, your family and friends will be drawn to the table, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal.
Understanding the Dish
The Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers Recipe brings together a delightful mix of flavors that captivates the senses. This dish features tender chunks of chicken breast, perfectly cooked and coated in a glossy sauce that strikes a balance between sweet and tart.
Accompanying the chicken are vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks, which not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a splash of color to the plate. Together, they create a visually appealing and appetizing presentation that draws everyone to the table.
Flavor Profile
This recipe creates a dynamic taste experience, combining savory chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of bell peppers. The tangy sauce, made from a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, ties everything together, providing a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
Each bite offers a burst of flavor that is both familiar and exciting, making it a beloved choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The addition of sesame seeds and green onions as garnishes adds a layer of texture and enhances the dish’s aesthetic appeal.
Preparation Steps
Preparing Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers is straightforward and quick, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, allowing them to soak up some flavor before cooking.
Next, sauté the chicken in vegetable oil until it’s browned and cooked through. Removing the chicken and cooking the vegetables in the same skillet helps to build depth in the overall flavor. The aroma of garlic and onions fills the kitchen, setting the stage for the remainder of the dish.
Cooking the Sauce
To create the luscious sauce that defines this dish, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and ketchup in a bowl. This mixture is then poured into the skillet, where it simmers and melds the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple.
A cornstarch mixture is added to thicken the sauce, enhancing its glossy finish and ensuring that it clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice acts as a perfect base, soaking up the delicious sauce while providing a neutral backdrop to the vibrant colors of the dish.
Garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only elevates the presentation but also adds a hint of nuttiness and freshness that complements the overall flavor. This dish is sure to impress, whether it’s a casual family meal or a gathering with friends.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers Recipe typically serves four, making it an ideal dish for sharing. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a satisfying balance of carbohydrates and protein.
As it incorporates lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this meal offers a wholesome option for those looking to enjoy a hearty dish without compromising on nutrition. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a variety of flavors all in one colorful plate.
Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers
This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers Recipe is a delightful, savory dish featuring tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with fresh bell peppers and sweet pineapple. The sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, creating an irresistible combination that makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then add the bell peppers and pineapple, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Heat through for another minute.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
