sweet and sour chicken thighs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sweet and sour chicken thighs recipe
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The Best sweet and sour chicken thighs recipe

I’m so excited to share this sweet and sour chicken thighs recipe with you all. This dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. The combination of crispy exterior, juicy interior, and tangy sweet and sour sauce is absolute perfection.

My family loves it when I make this for dinner, and it’s always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings too. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and flavors.

Whether you like it with bell peppers, onions, or pineapple, the possibilities are endless. I’ve tried many different variations over the years, but this original recipe remains my go-to. The secret to making it truly special is in the technique – you have to get that perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors just right.

It’s not as easy as it looks, trust me! But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step of the way so you can create this masterpiece in your own kitchen. I love serving this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It’s truly a game-changer for busy families like mine who need quick and delicious meal solutions.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs

Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs

4.6 from 857 votes

A classic dish with tender chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet sauce. The chicken thighs are first browned and then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with pineapple, bell peppers, and a sweet and sour mixture.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 bone in chicken thighs
salt
black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1 cup pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water

For Garnish

Green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
2Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3Add chicken thighs skin side down and cook until skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4Flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until both sides are browned.
5Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6In the same skillet, add chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
7Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
8Add pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9Stir in sugar, white vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
10Bring the mixture to a simmer.
11In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water and add to the skillet.
12Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
13Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
14The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
15Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
16Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
17Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Tongs
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the sweetness and sourness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less sugar or vinegar. For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs Works

This sweet and sour chicken thighs recipe is truly a winner for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for special events.

My family loves how easy it is to customize with their favorite ingredients, and I appreciate how versatile this dish is – from potlucks to family gatherings, it never fails to impress.

With its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors and tender juicy texture, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Chicken Thighs

Q: What type of chicken thighs should I use?

You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe – just make sure they’re skinless.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Sure thing! Just thaw them out first before using.

Q: What if I don’t have any pineapple juice?

No worries at all! You can substitute with an equal amount of orange juice or even omit it altogether if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This dish is actually perfect for making ahead of time – just cook the chicken and sauce separately until ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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