Easy And Delicious Sweet And Sour Chicken
Sweet and tangy chicken baked with pineapple, jam, and onion soup mix offers a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread apricot jam or preserves over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with onion soup mix.
- Arrange pineapple slices on top.
- Pour sweet and sour salad dressing over everything.
- Let set for several hours to marinate.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using peach preserves instead of apricot for a different flavor profile. If you'd like a bit of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour salad dressing. Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly layered for uniform cooking. This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh salad, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. For a more festive presentation, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving. This dish also complements the flavors of Chicken And Broccoli Dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil to retain moisture, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. This method helps maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy And Delicious Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 306 calories, with 22g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value). At about 306 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's recommended to thaw them beforehand for even cooking. If you're short on time, you could bake them from frozen, but add an extra 20-30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What can I substitute for the sweet and sour salad dressing?
If you don't have sweet and sour salad dressing, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 part soy sauce, 1 part vinegar, and 1 part sugar. This will give you a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, a homemade sweet and sour sauce could work well in this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can enhance the dish's nutritional value and add color. Simply layer the vegetables on top of the chicken before pouring the dressing, allowing them to cook and absorb the flavors while baking.
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).