Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup water

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Recipes

I absolutely love making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry because it's such a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken combined with tangy and sweet sauce, fresh vegetables, and a hint of warmth from the ginger creates a dish that's both comforting and refreshing. It comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort. I guarantee you'll enjoy this colorful meal as much as I do!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:30:28.109Z

When I first tried my hand at Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry, I was amazed at how simple it was to create something so vibrant and flavorful. The key is balancing the sweetness of the sauce with a touch of acidity, which is why I always add a splash of vinegar. It complements the fresh vegetables perfectly, and I love to toss in a handful of cashews at the end for added crunch.

One particular night, I experimented by substituting pineapple with mango, which lent an astonishingly delightful twist to the dish. I found that using high-quality soy sauce made a noticeable difference in flavor. The result was a bright and delicious stir-fry that has become a staple in our household!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright, tangy sauce that awakens your taste buds
Quick cooking time, perfect for busy evenings
Colorful presentation that impresses at the dinner table

Mastering the Stir-fry Technique

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, which allows the ingredients to retain their texture and color. I recommend using a wok if you have one, as its shape promotes even heat distribution and allows you to easily toss the ingredients. Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the oil; it should shimmer but not smoke. The sizzling sound when you add the chicken is what you want to hear—this indicates that you’re achieving the right sear.

Keep everything moving in the pan to ensure even cooking. Start with the chicken, allowing it to brown well—about 5 to 7 minutes is ideal for achieving that golden color. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear, leading to a less flavorful dish. To avoid this, you might want to cook the chicken in batches, if necessary.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a balanced flavor profile. For instance, the addition of fresh ginger not only enhances the taste but also adds a hint of warmth, complementing the sweet and sour elements beautifully. If you can't find fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used as a substitute; however, the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.

The sauce is a key component of this dish. The mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and rice vinegar not only provides the classic sweet and sour taste but also achieves the perfect sticky texture. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using low-sugar ketchup or even a homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes and vinegar. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time to allow the new ingredients to cook down and blend.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir-fry

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated

For the Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup water

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water until smooth.

Stir-fry the Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Push the chicken to one side and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for an additional minute, then add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and onion. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or fresh chilies to the stir-fry. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the dish's texture, I recommend reheating it in a skillet over medium heat rather than in the microwave, which can make the chicken rubbery. Stir it occasionally until heated through, and add a splash of water or additional sauce to keep it from drying out.

If you want to keep the dish for longer, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled stir-fry to a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating tips above for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, but you can also serve it over noodles for a change in texture. For a lower-carb option, consider serving it over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These alternatives take on the flavor of the dish nicely while providing a fresh twist.

To elevate the dish further, garnish it with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds just before serving. Not only do they add a dash of flavor, but they also provide a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Don’t forget to serve extra sauce on the side for those who love a saucier experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well! Just ensure they're thawed before adding them to the stir-fry.

→ What can I substitute for soy sauce?

You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

→ How can I make this dish more spicy?

Adding fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha can enhance the heat of your stir-fry.