Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The homemade sweet and tangy sauce complements the tender, juicy chicken pieces, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and texture.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Chicken:

• About 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if necessary
• 2 green onions, sliced into thin rounds, optional for garnishing
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional for garnishing

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sesame oil, light brown sugar, and garlic. Whisk the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
• In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch until smooth.
• Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, whisking intermittently, while you prepare the chicken.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large zip-top bag, add the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
• Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring and flipping intermittently, until the chicken is cooked through. If the skillet becomes dry, add an additional tablespoon or two of oil as needed.
• Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the prepared sauce to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for a minute or two.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Preparation: To save time, prepare all ingredients before you start cooking. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of granulated sugar to ½ cup.
• Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

This Easy 15-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household, combining convenience with delicious homemade flavor. Enjoy!