Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into thin strips; 2 cups bell peppers, sliced (red and green); 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup vinegar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Highlighted under: Global Taste Adventures

I absolutely love making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry because it brings together vibrant flavors and textures that brighten up any meal. There's something so satisfying about the perfect balance of sweet and tangy sauce alongside tender chunks of chicken and crispy vegetables. This dish is not only quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights—but it also appeals to everyone at the dinner table. I always feel accomplished when I serve it, knowing it’s both delicious and healthy!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:50:27.503Z

When I first tried my hand at making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry, I was amazed at how simple it was. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go—trust me, it makes the cooking process much smoother. I love using fresh vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas because they add a wonderful crunch and vivid color to the dish.

One tip I discovered is to cook the chicken in batches if you’re making a larger quantity. This ensures that each piece gets that fantastic sear, which makes the flavors pop. The sweet and sour sauce binds everything together, and honestly, it’s hard not to go back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors
Quick to prepare for busy weeknights
Packed with colorful and nutritious vegetables

Mastering the Sweet and Sour Sauce

The sweet and sour sauce is what makes this dish truly stand out. The combination of sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce creates a vibrant flavor profile that enhances the tender chicken and fresh veggies. Make sure to whisk the ingredients well before combining them in the saucepan to ensure a smooth consistency. As you heat the mixture, watch closely for it to come to a gentle boil, which triggers the thickening process from the cornstarch. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes on medium heat, resulting in a glossy sauce that coats your stir-fry beautifully.

If you prefer a spicier kick in your sauce, consider adding a splash of chili sauce or a few crushed red pepper flakes. This small adjustment can elevate the flavor and give your dish a delightful warmth. Alternatively, for a less tangy result, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for the white vinegar, providing a subtly different flavor that pairs well with the sweetness. Remember, the key to a great sauce is balance; feel free to tweak the sugar or vinegar levels to suit your taste.

Bringing Out the Best in Your Vegetables

When stir-frying, the goal is to maintain a crisp texture for your vegetables while also allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce. The use of bell peppers and snap peas not only adds vibrant color but also contributes different textures—crunchy and tender—making each bite enjoyable. It's important to keep your heat at medium-high when cooking the veggies. This temperature helps them retain their bright color and prevents them from becoming mushy. Sautéing onions and garlic first releases their essential oils, building a flavorful base for the dish.

If snap peas are not available, consider substituting with broccoli florets or green beans for a similar crunch. Just ensure that you cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Cooking time is crucial; you want to aim for 3-4 minutes of stir-frying to achieve that tender-crisp texture. To achieve that perfect bite, I recommend tasting the vegetables a minute or two before you plan to take them off the heat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

For the Chicken Stir-fry

1 pound chicken breast, cut into thin strips
2 cups bell peppers, sliced (red and green)
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry:

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water. Combine both mixtures in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until thickened. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Stir-fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté onions and garlic for about 2 minutes, then add bell peppers and snap peas. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over the mixture, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry!

Pro Tips

Experiment with your favorite vegetables or protein substitutes to customize this dish to your liking!

Storing and Reheating

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it up. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat to avoid the chicken becoming rubbery or the vegetables losing their crunch. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it appears too dry, ensuring even heating throughout.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the stir-fry. However, I recommend keeping the sauce separate and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze the chicken and vegetables in a strict airtight container for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with newly prepared sauce for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs excellently with fluffy jasmine rice or egg noodles, both of which complement the savory sweet and tangy flavors of the stir-fry. To make it a more complete meal, feel free to add a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. These sides add freshness and balance to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For a fun twist, consider serving the stir-fry in lettuce cups instead of over rice or noodles. The crispness of the lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and makes it a low-carb option that feels light yet satisfying. This healthy variation is especially great for warm weather and offers a unique presentation for your dinner table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry for an added kick!

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

→ What can I serve with the stir-fry?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a hearty meal.