Deborah'S Sweet & Sour Chicken
Deborah's Sweet & Sour Chicken features tender diced chicken combined with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for fans of Chinese-inspired flavors and family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 can pineapple chunks (8 oz.), juice reserved
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked, diced chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts (8 oz.), drained ⓘ
- 8 ounces can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in vinegar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, salt, garlic, paprika, ginger, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, consider adding more sugar or using honey as a substitute. If you're looking to cut down on sugar, coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a healthier twist. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch, similar to those in Super Quick Stir Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Chicken Chow Mein for a vibrant dinner spread. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. A side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas complements the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop; add a splash of water to prevent the chicken from drying out. If the sauce thickens too much, a little extra pineapple juice or water can help restore its consistency. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deborah'S Sweet & Sour Chicken contains roughly 1351 calories, with 42g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (270% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). 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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh pineapple can enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Just ensure to cut it into bite-sized chunks and add it to the sauce during cooking. The fresh fruit will provide a nice texture and sweetness, making your sweet and sour chicken even more vibrant.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, coconut aminos is a great substitute for soy sauce. It has a similar flavor profile but is less salty. Alternatively, you can use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce. Both options will maintain the savory depth of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together, and then mix in the vegetables. This way, you can enjoy the sweet and sour flavors without the last-minute rush.
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).