Welcome to yum city my friends! The classic P.F. Chang’s Sweet and Sour Chicken is such a joy to re-create…and eat!
This dish combines crispy battered chicken with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, paired with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and pineapple.
Make sure you use fresh pineapple for that extra burst of flavor that really sets this dish apart.
When you’re preparing it, don’t rush the batter; letting it rest for a few minutes ensures a perfectly crisp texture when fried.
How to Make P.F. Chang’s Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts (5 oz. each, cut into 1″ chunks)
- 1 cup Pineapple (fresh, cut into ¼” pieces)
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper (cut into 1″ dice)
- 1 cup Red Bell Pepper (cut into 1″ dice)
- 1 Onion (medium, cut into wedges)
- 2 tbsp Honey
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper.
Coat them with cornstarch evenly.
Step 2:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 4 minutes per side.
Step 3:
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside in a clean bowl.
Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 4:
Add pineapple and honey to the skillet and stir well to combine.
Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through the pineapple and evenly coat everything in the sauce.
Step 5:
Return the chicken to the skillet, gently tossing it with the sweet and sour mixture until everything is well combined and heated through.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Preparing Ahead
Cut and prep the vegetables and chicken in advance to make cooking smoother and faster when you’re ready.
Cornstarch Tip
Make sure the chicken pieces are dry before coating them with cornstarch; this helps them become extra crispy.
Adjusting the Sweetness
You can tweak the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey or adding a bit of sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Vegetable Variations
Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas for added crunch and flavor variety.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fried rice to complete the meal.
What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic accompaniment that pairs perfectly with sweet and sour chicken.
The savory flavors and aromatic ingredients like soy sauce and green onions in fried rice complement the tangy sauce, creating a balanced meal that’ll satisfy your taste.
You can make it easily at home, and it’s great for using up leftover rice.
Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes are a tasty, crispy option that offer a delightful crunch alongside your sweet and sour chicken.
The light, flaky texture of these pancakes contrasts nicely with the juicy chunks of chicken.
These are easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time and reheated.
Prawn Toast
If you’re looking to try something a little different, prawn toast is a delicious choice.
These crunchy bites have a distinct seafood flavor, adding an exciting twist to your meal.
They’re quick to fry up and make for an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
Pot Stickers
Pot stickers, or dumplings, add a delicious and hearty element to your meal.
Filled with pork or vegetables, they balance the sweet and sour chicken with savory notes.
Serve them with a dash of soy sauce or hot chili oil for extra flavor.
Broccoli
For a healthy option, steamed or stir-fried broccoli is fantastic alongside sweet and sour chicken.
The fresh, crisp texture of the broccoli complements the softness of the chicken and peppers.
You can season it lightly with garlic or sesame oil for added depth.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Choices
You can switch the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist that’s just as tasty and flavorful.
For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh instead of meat. They soak up the sauce beautifully, too!
Sauce Ingredients
Feel free to replace ketchup with tomato paste for a less sweet version.
Try adding pineapple chunks for an extra burst of fruity flavor in the sauce.
Spices and Aromatics
If you love some heat, toss in a bit of red chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different yet subtle tanginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your sweet and sour creation over brown rice or quinoa. These grains not only taste great but also add extra nutrition!
Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete, colorful meal. They’re a perfect match!
How to Store Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken
First, make sure your leftover sweet and sour chicken is completely cool.
Place the chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’s important to use a container that seals well to avoid any odors from your fridge sneaking in.
Refrigerate the sweet and sour chicken within two hours of cooking. Store it in the fridge where it will remain safe and tasty to eat for up to three days!
Keep in mind, you can also freeze the leftovers if you think you won’t eat them in time.
Transfer the sweet and sour chicken into a freezer-safe container.
Label your container with the date so you know when you tucked it away.
In the freezer, your sweet and sour chicken will last for around three months.
When it’s time to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
That’s it for storing your sweet and sour chicken, making sure those delicious flavors stay perfect!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
One pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can easily make it tough and dry.
You want to ensure a quick fry to get that perfect balance—crispy outside and juicy inside!
Skipping the Fresh Ingredients
Remember not to skip the fresh garlic and ginger.
These ingredients enhance the flavor of your sauce and make a world of difference!
Neglecting the Sauce Consistency
Pay close attention to the consistency of your sauce.
Add your sauce gradually and stir consistently to avoid it being too thick or too runny.
P.F. Chang's Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- 4 Chicken Breasts 5 oz. each, cut into 1″ chunks
- 1 cup Pineapple fresh, cut into ¼” pieces
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper cut into 1″ dice
- 1 cup Red Bell Pepper cut into 1″ dice
- 1 Onion medium, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp Honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper.
- Coat them with cornstarch evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 4 minutes per side.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside in a clean bowl.
- Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add pineapple and honey to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through the pineapple and evenly coat everything in the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, gently tossing it with the sweet and sour mixture until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Ruth’s Chris New Orleans Shrimp Recipe - December 13, 2024
- Ruth’s Chris Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe - December 13, 2024
- Ruth’s Chris Manhattan Eastside Recipe - December 13, 2024
