Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) is like a culinary hug on a plate; it wraps you in warmth while simultaneously tickling your taste buds with its zesty flavors. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken enveloped in a bright, glossy sauce that dances between tangy sweetness and savory depth—yes, please!

Every time I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen where my mother would serve it on special occasions. The mouthwatering aroma would waft through the house, making me feel like I was home again, waiting for family gatherings. This delightful dish is perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something comforting yet exciting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing recipe offers more than just flavor; it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests
- You can easily tweak the ingredients based on your taste preferences or available items
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Perfectly versatile for serving over rice or alongside stir-fried veggies!
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe
One memorable Sunday dinner left my friends begging for seconds—and they’re still asking for the secret to my sauce!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red or yellow for visual appeal and sweetness.
- Pineapple Chunks: Canned or fresh works well; both add an irresistible sweetness.
- Onions: Use yellow onions for their mild flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a punch; avoid pre-minced options if possible.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opting for low-sodium helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess; apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch.
- Ketchup: It may sound odd, but this adds essential sweetness and depth.
- Brown Sugar: Balances out acidity with delightful sweetness—don’t skip this step!
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce; mix it well before adding.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather your ingredients because we’re about to create something magical!
Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely during cooking.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant—about two minutes should do the trick!
Cook the Chicken: Toss in your chicken pieces next. Cook until they turn golden brown all over—this usually takes around five to seven minutes.
Add Vegetables & Pineapple: Stir in your colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks once the chicken is cooked through. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp—about three minutes will work wonders!
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into your skillet while stirring—it will thicken beautifully!
Finish & Serve!: Let everything simmer together for another couple of minutes until you achieve that perfect glaze. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles—dinner is served!
You Must Know
- Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) is not just delicious; it’s a crowd-pleaser
- The perfect blend of flavors makes it irresistible, and the vibrant colors will brighten your dinner table
- Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your pantry staples
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Sear it until golden brown before adding vegetables and sauce for an even cooking experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the bell peppers with broccoli or add pineapple for some tropical sweetness. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki for a fun twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the chicken juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure maximum flavor, let your chicken marinate longer than 30 minutes if possible
- Use fresh vegetables for crunch, and don’t skip on the sesame seeds—they add a delightful texture!
I still remember the first time I made Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) for my friends; their faces lit up with joy! It was a great conversation starter, turning a casual meal into an unforgettable night.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal)?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating to ensure even flavor distribution.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives that still deliver great flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes or fresh jalapeños during cooking to enhance its heat level dramatically.

Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal)
Sweet and Sour Chicken (halal) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with colorful veggies in a glossy, tangy sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh bell peppers (red and yellow)
- Pineapple chunks
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet; cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the skillet while stirring to thicken.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes until the sauce glazes the chicken and vegetables. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg