Sweet and Sour Sheet-Pan Chicken
Sticky-tangy glazed chicken, charred peppers and pineapple — all on one pan, with almost no washing up.
In a nutshell: This authentic asian-american sweet and sour sheet-pan chicken comes together in just 40 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: a single layer with space between pieces is what lets the chicken roast instead of steam. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Sweet and sour sheet-pan chicken: glazed chicken with peppers and pineapple roasted on one pan. A tangy, easy weeknight dinner.
Key Equipment
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- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Parchment paper
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Give the pan room: a single layer with space between pieces is what lets the chicken roast instead of steam — use two pans rather than crowding one.
- Toss the chicken in cornstarch first: the light coating crisps at the edges and helps the sauce cling, instead of sliding off bare chicken.
- Save half the sauce for the finish: sauce added before roasting caramelises beautifully, but a fresh toss at the end keeps the glaze glossy and bright.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 bell peppers, red and green, cut into chunks
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1 red onion, cut into chunks
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1 ½ cups pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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½ cup ketchup
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⅓ cup rice vinegar
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⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 tbsp soy sauce, for the sauce
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 green onions, sliced, for serving
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1 tsp sesame seeds, for serving
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the Oven and Prep
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, soy sauce and oil until evenly coated.
Make the Sauce
Whisk the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger and garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Load the Pan
Spread the chicken, peppers, onion and pineapple on the baking sheet in a single layer. Pour over half the sauce and toss to coat.
Roast
Roast for 22-25 minutes, tossing once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are charred at the edges.
Glaze and Serve
Toss the hot pan contents with the remaining sauce. Serve over rice, scattered with green onions and sesame seeds.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — cut breasts into even 1-inch pieces and check them at 20 minutes, since breast meat dries out faster than thighs if overcooked.
Swap in tamari for the soy sauce and check your ketchup label, and the dish is naturally gluten-free.
Yes — snap peas, broccoli florets or zucchini chunks all roast well here. Add them with the peppers, keeping everything in a single layer.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat in a hot oven or skillet so the chicken re-crisps. The sauce thickens when cold and loosens again as it heats.