If you’re craving something bold, tangy, and incredibly satisfying—but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—this Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is your perfect go-to. It’s everything you love about takeout, but faster, fresher, and made right in your own kitchen. Juicy chicken pieces get perfectly coated in a glossy, flavorful sweet and sour sauce, all ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling a million things but still want something delicious and homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Fast: We’re talking 15 minutes, start to finish. No marinating. No complicated steps.
Better Than Takeout: That signature sweet and tangy flavor, but fresher, with real ingredients you can trust.
Crowd-Pleaser: Adults, kids, picky eaters—everyone loves it. Seriously.
Customizable: Easily switch up the protein or make it vegetarian. You’re in control.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

These are all pantry staples or easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Thighs give extra juiciness.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken and helps create that light crispy exterior without deep frying.
Bell peppers: Adds crunch and color—use red, green, or yellow depending on your mood.
Pineapple chunks: The sweet part of the sweet and sour—fresh or canned both work beautifully.
Garlic: Adds a little savory depth and balances the sauce.
Ketchup: A surprisingly perfect base for the tangy sauce—don’t skip it.
Rice vinegar: Brings the necessary tang to the sauce. White vinegar is okay in a pinch.
Soy sauce: Adds that salty umami richness to round out the flavors.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps it caramelize slightly on the chicken.
Oil: For pan-searing the chicken to golden perfection. Use something neutral like vegetable or canola.

Variations

Want to mix things up a little? Try these fun variations:

Make it vegetarian: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken. Still delicious and just as quick.
Spicy kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha for heat lovers.
Different protein: Shrimp, pork, or even tempeh work wonderfully here.
Add more veggies: Broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots add great texture and nutrition.

How to Make Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Coat and Cook the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until lightly coated. Heat a large skillet or wok with oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies and Garlic

Push the chicken to the side and add bell peppers and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the peppers are just starting to soften but still crisp.

Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce

Stir in the pineapple chunks. Then add ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until the sauce is bubbling and coating the chicken and veggies beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Turn off the heat and serve immediately while the chicken is juicy and the sauce is sticky and vibrant.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut chicken evenly: This ensures quick, uniform cooking so nothing ends up dry.
Use high heat: Searing the chicken quickly locks in juices and creates that irresistible texture.
Don’t overcook the veggies: They should stay crisp to contrast with the tender chicken and rich sauce.
Have everything ready: This dish moves fast—prep all ingredients before you start cooking.

How to Serve

Sweet and Sour Chicken shines when paired with fluffy white rice, but there’s room to get creative:

Serve Over:

Steamed jasmine rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up that sauce.
Fried rice: Make it a full takeout-style meal at home.
Cauliflower rice: For a lighter, low-carb option.

Garnish With:

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a little crunch and nutty flavor.
Sliced green onions: Brings freshness and a pop of color.
Chili oil drizzle: For spice lovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the juiciest and most forgiving, but breasts work great too, especially if you don’t overcook them.

Can I use bottled sweet and sour sauce instead?
You can, but this homemade version is so quick and tastes much better. Plus, you can adjust it to your liking.

Do I need a wok to make this?
Nope! A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet will do the job just fine. Just make sure it’s hot enough to sear the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is proof that you don’t need takeout—or a ton of time—to enjoy a bold, flavor-packed meal. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly simple to whip up anytime. Try it once and it might just become your new weeknight favorite.

Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe