Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice – Quick Recipes for Dinner

Alright, picture this: your weeknight dinner dilemma suddenly solved with a plate of vibrant, tangy-sweet chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you—because it’s one of those dishes that literally makes your kitchen smell like a cozy takeout spot without the wait or the pricey tab! The balance of that sticky, glossy sauce paired with fluffy, steamed rice is just pure magic. Plus, this recipe comes together fast, which is perfect when your stomach starts growling at 6:01 pm. Get ready for a little kitchen win you’ll want to make over and over again!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional, but recommended!)

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserve from canned pineapple or fresh)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First things first — prep your chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Then set up a dredging station: in one bowl, whisk 2 large eggs; in another, place 1/2 cup flour; and in a third, put the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the egg, then the panko, making sure each piece is fully coated for that irresistible crispy crust.

Step 2:

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you might have to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Fry until golden and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3:

In the same skillet (wipe out excess oil if necessary), toss in the sliced onions, green and red bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a little crunch. Then add the pineapple chunks for a sweet burst of flavor.

Step 4:

Now, stir together the sauce ingredients: ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the veggies and bring it to a simmer. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly so the sauce thickens up shiny and smooth.

Step 5:

Return the crispy chicken pieces back to the pan and toss everything until each piece is cocktailed in that luscious, sticky sauce. Let it all mingle for a minute or two over low heat so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 6:

Serve your sweet and sour chicken hot over fluffy white rice and enjoy immediately. The contrast between crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and soft rice is pure joy on a plate!

Variations & Tips

• Use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for more juicy flavor.
• Swap the bell peppers for snap peas or broccoli if you prefer other veggies.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sweet and sour sauce.
• Double the sauce if you want extra to spoon over your rice or for dunking.
• For gluten-free, use cornstarch for dredging instead of flour and gluten-free soy sauce.

How I Like to Serve It

This dish shines year-round but especially feels like a little weekend treat, perfect for a fun family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Pair with some steamed or stir-fried greens to round out the meal. If you want a festive touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for color and crunch.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove to keep the chicken crispy.
• If the sauce gets too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it back up.

Closing: This Sweet and Sour Chicken always feels like a little celebration at the dinner table—crispy, tangy, and utterly satisfying every single time!