Go Back
–+ servings
Sweet And Sour Chicken Thighs

Sweet And Sour Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Family Favorite

A quick and delicious Sweet And Sour Chicken Thighs recipe that combines juicy chicken with a tangy homemade sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on) Essential for juiciness and maximum flavor.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable) Needed for frying to achieve crispy skin.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Provides vibrant color.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Ketchup Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 1/3 cup Rice Vinegar Introduces acidity for balance.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Imparts sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Adds umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger Provides warm flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice Essential for fruity sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.
For Finishing Touches
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh) Adds texture and sweetness.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet And Sour Chicken Thighs
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more. Set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and red bell pepper for 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 60 seconds.
  3. Pour in ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Whisk together and bring to a simmer.
  4. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Cover and braise for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Add fresh pineapple chunks and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
  6. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce to thicken. Cook until glossy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken skin is dry for crispiness. Use rendered fat for added flavor in sauce. Adjust soy sauce for taste preference. Fresh pineapple enhances sweetness and authenticity.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!