American Oriental Chicken
American Oriental Chicken offers a sweet and savory combination with tender chicken, colorful peppers, and a tangy ketchup glaze, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Roll the chicken strips in the dry mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown.
- Add the butter, diced celery, red pepper strips, green pepper strips, and diced onion to the skillet.
- Cook the vegetables until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and ketchup, then simmer for 20-25 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier coating, you can add breadcrumbs to the flour mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. You can also replace ketchup with a homemade sweet and sour sauce using tomato paste and vinegar for added depth. This dish can easily be adapted to make Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad. It also pairs beautifully with Holiday Lemon-Pecan Cake for a delightful finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Oriental Chicken contains roughly 1534 calories, with 4g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 144g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2043mg per serving (89% 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it on the defrost setting, but avoid cooking it from frozen to ensure it cooks evenly.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work as substitutes, though they may alter the sauce's consistency slightly. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these alternatives can be sweeter.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan for a satisfying vegetarian version. You can also use a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to create a hearty dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
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).