Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Chili Recipe

Mar 14, 2025 | Recipes & Cooking Tips

Written By Charmaine

Craving a dish that dances on your taste buds? This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Chili Recipe delivers a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a zesty sauce makes it an unforgettable meal.

Imagine bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a vibrant sauce that’s both sweet and tangy, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of pineapple and the kick from chili garlic. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Vibrant Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish

The foundation of any meal lies in its ingredients. For Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Chili Recipe, each component plays a crucial role in creating a delightful culinary experience.

At the heart of this dish are the chicken pieces, which are marinated to enhance their flavor and tenderness. Fresh and juicy pineapple chunks add a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sauce. Colorful bell peppers contribute not only to the visual appeal but also provide crunch and a hint of bitterness that balances the overall profile.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken, as it is essential to the dish’s success. Dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces allows for even cooking and a satisfying bite. Marinating the chicken with a touch of salt, pepper, and cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior once fried.

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The marination process should last around 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat. This simple step ensures that the chicken will be flavorful and tender, serving as the perfect base for the sweet and sour sauce.

Crafting the Tangy Sauce

The sauce is the heart of Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Chili Recipe. This vibrant mixture combines ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce for an irresistible blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.

Mixing these ingredients together creates a luscious sauce that will coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully. The balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and the tang from the vinegar creates a rich flavor that ties the dish together. Setting this sauce aside until it’s time to combine it with the chicken and vegetables is key to maintaining its fresh taste.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Once the chicken is cooked, the next step involves sautéing the vegetables. Using the same skillet ensures that the flavors from the chicken linger, enhancing the taste of the bell peppers and onions.

Cook the chopped onion and bell pepper for just a few minutes, allowing them to soften while retaining some of their crunch. Adding minced garlic during this stage will infuse the dish with its aromatic qualities, bringing an extra layer of flavor to the mix.

Bringing It All Together

With the chicken cooked and the vegetables sautéed, it’s time to combine everything. Return the chicken to the skillet, add the juicy pineapple chunks, and pour the prepared sauce over the top.

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Stirring everything together ensures that each piece of chicken and vegetable is coated in the tangy sauce. Cook for an additional few minutes to heat through and deepen the flavors, creating a harmonious blend that’s visually appealing and satisfying to the palate.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

Presentation plays an integral role in enhancing the dining experience. When serving Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Chili Recipe, use a bed of fluffy white rice as the base. The rice not only absorbs the flavorful sauce but also provides a neutral backdrop that highlights the vibrant colors of the chicken and vegetables.

Garnishing with freshly chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, elevating the dish’s overall appearance. Surrounding the plate with chopsticks and a small bowl of chili garlic sauce invites diners to customize their experience, whether they prefer a little extra heat or not.

Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Surprise

Plate of sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and bell peppers on rice, garnished with green onions, alongside chili garlic sauce.

This Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Chili Garlic Chili Recipe features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, with the added brightness from fresh pineapple chunks and a hint of heat from the chili garlic. It’s a dish that balances sweetness and spice, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • Cooked rice for serving
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
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Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, add the pineapple chunks, and pour the sauce over the top. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated.
  6. Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 290kcal
  • Fat: 9g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g

Written By Charmaine

Meet Chef Alex, a passionate culinary expert with over a decade of experience in the kitchen. Specializing in blending classic recipes with modern twists, Chef Alex is dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring cooks of all levels to embrace the joy of cooking. Follow along for expert tips and delicious recipes that will elevate your culinary skills.

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