Panda Express's SweetFire Chicken Breast (Copycat Recipe)

This delightful SweetFire Chicken Breast recipe captures the essence of the beloved dish from Panda Express. Featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, complemented by colorful bell peppers and pineapple, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a family-friendly meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a great option for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the bell peppers and bring to a simmer. Add the pineapple chunks and cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.