Low-Fat Sweet-Sour Chicken
A flavorful low-fat sweet-sour chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy cranberry and vinegar sauce with pineapple chunks and green peppers. Perfect for those craving a balanced yet vibrant meal, it combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors in a satisfying dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice, and set aside in a separate saucepan.
- Combine cranberry sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth to make the sauce.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce.
- Cook the sauce until it thickens.
- Add pineapple chunks to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier sauce, increase the vinegar slightly or substitute with rice vinegar. If you're looking to reduce sugar further, try using a sugar substitute that measures like brown sugar. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for a depth of flavor. If you have leftover sauce, it can be used in other dishes like Chicken-Sesame Stir-Fry for a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Low-Fat Sweet-Sour Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a vibrant salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Chinese 'Not Fried' Rice for a complete experience. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor, enhancing the dish’s presentation.
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 microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Sweet-Sour Chicken contains roughly 16 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 to ensure even cooking and safety. If you're short on time, you can microwave them to defrost, but avoid cooking from frozen to maintain the best texture.
What can I substitute for pineapple if I don't have any?
If you don't have pineapple, you can use diced mango or peaches for a similar sweet-tart flavor. Alternatively, you could omit the fruit altogether and increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers for added crunch and color.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. You could also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
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).