Mary Ellen'S Best Sweet And Sour Chicken
Sweet and tangy chicken stir-fried with colorful peppers and pineapple, infused with ginger and garlic, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir the boneless cubed chicken in hot oil in a large skillet until well browned.
- Add the green and red pepper strips to the skillet.
- Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until peppers are slightly tender.
- Mix cornstarch and lite soy sauce to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch-soy mixture to the skillet along with the pineapple chunks and juice, vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil and cook until thickened.
- Prepare the instant brown rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken over the cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. If you're short on time, use pre-cut bell pepper strips. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy instant brown rice, which complements the dish nicely. For a more colorful plate, add steamed broccoli or snap peas as a side. This meal pairs beautifully with a refreshing salad like Chinese Chicken-Noodle Salad or a light Lo Mein for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power until heated through, or rewarm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating more than once to preserve quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ellen'S Best Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 1174 calories, with 6g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2069mg per serving (90% 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 boneless chicken. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to achieve even browning. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the chicken is still partially frozen.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same cooking method, ensuring the tofu is pressed and cut into cubes. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra texture.
What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?
This dish pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or a crisp salad. For those who enjoy noodles, a side of Lo Mein can also complement the flavors beautifully.
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).