Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry
User Reviews
4.9
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry
Description
The Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry features bite-sized chicken thigh pieces cooked with garlic and onions until tender, surrounded by colorful bell peppers and pineapple pieces. The sauce combines a carefully balanced mix of sugar, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, and savory seasonings to create a sauce distinct from overly sweet versions commonly found online. Cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce to a syrupy consistency that clings well to the ingredients. Cooking over high heat in a wok or skillet develops flavor and texture in the vegetables and chicken.
Serve this stir fry immediately alongside steamed rice or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice. Garnishing with shallots or scallions adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. It is a satisfying entrée that brings together sweet, sour, and savory elements in one dish.
The recipe notes explain the sugar amount balances sweetness closer to restaurant-style without being too sugary, and include tips on tenderizing leaner cuts like chicken breast to maintain juiciness. Adjusting the sugar content can tailor the dish to personal preference while retaining its characteristic taste.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup white sugar (Note 1)
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple pieces)
- 3 tbsp ketchup (Australia: tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (Note 2)
- 1 tsp soy sauce , light or all purpose (Note 2)
- 1 tsp oyster sauce (Note 2)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed together, + 2 tbsp water, or corn flour
Stir Fry
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable)
- 1 garlic minced or finely chopped, clove
- 1 onion , halved and sliced (brown, yellow or white) (see photo in post)
- 400 g / 13 oz chicken thigh fillet , cut into bite size pieces (Note 3)
- 1 red bell pepper cut into bite size pieces, or capsicum
- 1 green bell pepper cut into bite size pieces, or yellow capsicum
- 1 can (8oz/250g) canned pineapple pieces in natural juice. Separate pineapple from juice.
- shallots for garnish, or scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Mix together Sauce ingredients. Mix together Thickener in a separate small bowl.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken and stir fry until it it is white all over but still pink inside.
- Add capsicum and stir fry for 2 minutes.
- Add Sauce ingredients. Stir until sugar has dissolved and the sauce begins to bubble.
- Add Thickener. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Then cook until it thickens to a syrup consistency - about 3 minutes.
- Stir through pineapple pieces (just to warm) and remove from stove.
- Serve immediately with rice - or for a low carb, low cal option, try Cauliflower Rice! Garnish with shallots if desired.
Notes
- The sauce balance includes sugar, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, tomato ketchup, soy, Worcestershire, and oyster sauces to achieve a well-rounded sweet and sour flavor.
- Using chicken thigh pieces helps keep the meat tender and juicy in stir fry; if using chicken breast, tenderize it to avoid dryness.
- Adjust sugar quantity to reduce sweetness if desired; 1/4 cup sugar still produces a reasonably sweet sauce.
- Serve immediately to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables and enjoy with white or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 290g | |
| Calories | 398cal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 44.7g | 15% |
| Protein | 28.3g | 57% |
| Fat | 12.2g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8g | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 455mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 511mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2.1g | 8% |
| Sugar | 38g | 76% |
| Vitamin A | 500IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 107.3mg | 119% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
