Healthy Sweet And Sour Chicken
Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken features tender chicken cubes coated in a tangy, flavorful sauce with vibrant vegetables and a hint of ginger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that appeal to both family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 chicken breasts, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 1 cup green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cut into 1-inch squares ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/3 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cider vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Marinate chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger for 45 minutes.
- Mix ketchup, water, cider vinegar, and sugar and set aside to make the sauce.
- Put marinated chicken and cornstarch in a Ziploc bag and shake until well coated.
- Preheat a skillet or wok, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and add chicken a few pieces at a time.
- Brown the chicken, then remove from the skillet.
- Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the skillet, add chopped green onions and green peppers, and stir constantly for 5 minutes.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables, bring to a boil, add the browned chicken, and cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they remain juicier. You can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a healthier sweetener. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. This recipe is also adaptable; try adding vegetables like carrots or snap peas for more color and nutrition. Browse more Chinese recipes for diverse flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Healthy Sweet And Sour Chicken over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. This dish also goes well with classic sides like egg rolls or a light soup. For a twist, try it with the Quick And Easy Chicken Stir-Fry for a different take on chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Healthy Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 506 calories, with 12g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; tofu should be cooked until golden, while shrimp cooks quickly, only needing a few minutes until they turn pink.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free alternatives. Ensure that the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish without any gluten concerns.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just coat the chicken in cornstarch and proceed with the recipe. This way, you can have a quick and easy meal ready in no time.
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).