Chicken "Sweet 'N Sour"
Sweet and tangy chicken stir-fry featuring pineapple, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Brown the chicken in oil.
- Reduce heat to low; add chopped onion.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and chunked green pepper.
- Combine remaining ingredients: vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch.
- Stir the sauce into the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes longer.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch mixed with water. If you're out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well for a slightly fruity flavor. Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein. Adding snap peas or broccoli can enhance the vegetable mix, creating a colorful dish. This recipe is reminiscent of other Chinese recipes like Sweet And Sour Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it with fried rice or as a filling for lettuce wraps. This dish pairs beautifully with Glazed Chicken(From Mjb Rice) for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop; when using a stovetop, add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Ensure it's heated thoroughly before serving again. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month, but the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken "Sweet 'N Sour" contains roughly 360 calories, with 4g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2112mg per serving (92% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, combine and heat on the stove until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for pineapple?
If you're not a fan of pineapple, you can replace it with mango chunks or bell pepper for sweetness. Alternatively, you can use a combination of sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain balance.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for some heat. Adjust according to your taste preference. If serving to kids or those sensitive to spice, it’s best to keep it mild.
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).