Jim'S Sweet & Sour Chicken
Jim's Sweet & Sour Chicken offers a delicious balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender chicken pieces are paired with pineapple and green peppers in a flavorful sauce, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or casual gatherings that enjoy bold, vibrant tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté in a skillet using Pam until browned.
- In a Dutch oven, add juice from the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
- Heat through and thicken the sauce with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup of water.
- Cut green pepper into bite-sized chunks and add to the sauce along with the chicken and pineapple chunks.
- Simmer until heated through and the green pepper is tender.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch mixture to your desired consistency. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the green pepper with other Stir-Fry Vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a different flavor profile. If you're low on vinegar, lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jim's Sweet & Sour Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Honey Chicken for a delightful mix of flavors on your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jim'S Sweet & Sour Chicken contains roughly 282 calories, with 2g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1963mg per serving (85% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into pieces. This ensures even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can also be used, but they may alter the consistency of the sauce slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not inherently spicy, as it focuses on sweet and sour flavors. However, if you enjoy heat, you can easily modify it by adding chili sauce or fresh chopped peppers to taste.
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).