Apple Chicken Sauté

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A sweet and savory chicken stir-fry with apples and bell peppers, featuring a tangy vinegar glaze. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or flavorful family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • dash of pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1/2 lb. deboned chicken
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 apple, sliced lengthwise
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced lengthwise
  • 2 tsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into small bites and heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan.
  2. Saute chicken until cooked, stirring constantly for 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Remove cooked chicken from the pan.
  4. Saute sliced bell pepper and apple until tender.
  5. Add another tablespoon of oil if necessary.
  6. Return chicken to the pan with apples and bell pepper.
  7. Combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, pepper, and salt, then add to the mixture.
  8. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider using boneless turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar if you prefer a milder taste. To enhance the flavor, add garlic or ginger when sautéing the vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Lo Mein for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apple Chicken Sauté over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also complements a side of Green Beans Mandarin for a fresh touch. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with fried rice or a simple salad to balance the sweetness of the dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken's tenderness, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple Chicken Sauté contains roughly 246 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

246 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 2% DV
Carbs 52.4g 19% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 284.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 7.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 36mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 16.1mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as pears or peaches, which will add a different sweetness and texture. Just ensure that the fruit you choose can hold up during cooking and doesn’t become too mushy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it keeps well and tastes even better the next day. Just store the sauce and chicken mixture separately from the rice or noodles to prevent sogginess, then combine when ready to serve.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients, like vinegar and sugar, are gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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).

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