This Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner saver. It’s fast, fuss-free, and loaded with bold flavors that hit all the right notes—tangy, sweet, savory, and just a little bit sticky. The sauce coats crispy golden chicken pieces perfectly, creating a dish that’s irresistibly delicious and comforting. And the best part? You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. It’s takeout-style magic, right at home—ready in just 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: Dinner on the table in just 15 minutes? Yes, please! This is a true lifesaver for those hectic evenings.
Big Flavors, Minimal Effort: The sauce is sweet, tangy, and has just enough zing to keep every bite interesting. It tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot—only better.
Kid-Approved and Crowd-Pleasing: This is one of those dishes that absolutely everyone at the table will be happy to see.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or what you’re craving. It’s a flexible, foolproof go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and why they matter in this sweet and sour sensation:

Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: The main protein—quick-cooking and perfect for crisping up in a skillet. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great too.
Cornstarch: For coating the chicken. It gives you that crispy, golden crust without deep frying.
Bell Peppers: Adds crunch and a burst of natural sweetness. Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color and flavor variety.
Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and juicy—classic in any sweet and sour dish. Use fresh or canned (just be sure to drain the juice if using canned).
Garlic: Adds a savory base flavor that balances the sweet and tangy elements.
Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It brings color, tang, and sweetness in the easiest way possible.
Rice Vinegar: Delivers the essential sour note. Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: For that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze.
Neutral Oil: For pan-frying the chicken pieces to crispy perfection.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists:

Spicy Sweet and Sour: Add a little sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets—equally delicious!
Extra Veggies: Add snap peas, onions, or broccoli to bulk it up and get more greens in.
Different Protein: Shrimp, pork, or even tempeh work beautifully with this sauce.

How to Make Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch until well coated. This helps achieve that signature crispy texture without needing to deep fry.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and crispy on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Toss in the bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant and crisp.

Step 4: Stir in the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Pour the sauce over the chicken and peppers, then stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and Simmer

Toss in the pineapple chunks and let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once the sauce is sticky and glossy, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use High Heat: A hot pan ensures the chicken crisps up quickly without drying out.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This is what gives the chicken that irresistible crispy coating—skip it, and you’ll miss out.
Cut Even Pieces: This ensures even cooking and makes the dish look great on the plate.
Taste the Sauce: Adjust sugar, vinegar, or soy sauce to find your perfect sweet and sour balance.

How to Serve

This dish is all about bold flavors, so keep the sides simple and supportive.

Serve Over:

Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that glossy sauce.
Fried Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb or extra-flavorful option.

Garnish With:

Sliced Green Onions
Sesame Seeds
Chopped Cilantro (if you like a fresh herbal twist)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but the flavors get even better!

Freezing

Freeze cooled sweet and sour chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze without the rice and reheat separately.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it, but the chicken won’t stay as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your ketchup, too—most are gluten-free, but it’s always good to confirm.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work just as well if that’s what you have. Just be careful not to overcook them.

Do I need a wok to make this?
Nope! A large nonstick skillet or sauté pan works just fine. The key is high heat and not overcrowding the pan so the chicken crisps up properly.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes, especially if you like it extra saucy or plan to serve it over rice. Just double all sauce ingredients and simmer a minute or two longer so it thickens up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is the answer to “What’s for dinner?” on your busiest nights. It’s quick, flavorful, and hits all the comfort food notes without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this recipe is bound to become a weeknight favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying homemade can taste!

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe