Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/3 cup rice or apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger, optional
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked white rice
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed broccoli
• snap peas or bell peppers (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed so the pan does not get crowded.Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger if using, and red pepper flakes.Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. 4

   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss until every piece is coated in the sweet and sour sauce.Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavor.

5. 5

   Serve the sweet and sour chicken warm over white rice.Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.