20 Minute Sweet And Sour Chicken
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, complemented by pineapple. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines savory, tangy, and sweet flavors that appeal to both families and casual diners alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 c. green pepper strips ⓘ
- 1 c. carrot strips ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, quartered ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. dry sherry ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can chunk pineapple in juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. Minute rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in vegetable oil and garlic.
- Add green pepper strips, carrot strips, and onion; stir-fry for 1 minute or until crisp-tender.
- Combine chicken bouillon, soy sauce, dry sherry, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and pineapple with juice in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in Minute rice.
- Cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked chicken and vegetables, then serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cut vegetables or frozen stir-fry mixes. You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry before adding the chicken bouillon mixture. This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or even add cashews for extra crunch, similar to Chicken With Walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of spring rolls or a fresh garden salad. For a delightful twist, consider serving it with fried rice as an alternative, enhancing the meal with a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 20 Minute Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 1002 calories, with 17g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat and add the rice. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
If you need a substitute for brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste. Alternatively, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute may work, but be mindful of the sweetness level.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce is labeled as vegetarian, and you can enhance the flavors with extra vegetables or even add a plant-based protein for a hearty dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).