Easy Spicy-Sweet Chicken
A vibrant and easy-to-make chicken dish featuring a spicy-sweet glaze of picante sauce and orange marmalade, complemented by crisp sugar snap peas. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it combines bold flavors with tender chicken for a delightful meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Cook chicken in vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Increase heat to medium-high.
- Add picante sauce, orange marmalade, and sugar snap peas to the skillet; mix well.
- Cook and stir for 3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet; spoon sauce over the chicken and heat through for about 1 minute.
- Serve with additional picante sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of the picante sauce and orange marmalade for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you're out of picante sauce, salsa can be a great substitute. For a twist, add chopped bell peppers or onions to the sauce mixture for extra texture and flavor. This dish can also be served over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Spicy-Sweet Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Creamy Baked Chicken Breast or a light soup to start. Don't forget to provide additional picante sauce on the side for those who like it spicier.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and cook until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Spicy-Sweet Chicken contains roughly 114 calories, with 3g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2017mg per serving (88% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pound them to the specified thickness for even cooking.
What can I substitute for orange marmalade?
If you don't have orange marmalade, apricot preserves or peach jam can be good alternatives, providing a similar sweetness and fruity flavor. You can also use honey mixed with a bit of orange juice for a homemade version.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu in the picante sauce and orange marmalade before cooking, and follow the same instructions. This way, you maintain the flavor profile while enjoying a vegetarian version of the dish.
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).