Mccall'S Microwave Sweet-And-Sour Chicken
Sweet-and-sour chicken with vibrant peppers and pineapple offers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large, shallow microwave-safe dish, toss the chicken with sherry, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and ground ginger.
- Remove the stem, rib, and seeds from the green and red peppers.
- Cut the peppers into strips and then cut the strips in half crosswise; set aside.
- Add soy sauce, cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch to the dish with the chicken and toss to coat.
- Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks with heavy syrup and optional fresh ginger.
- Microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional ginger if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in sherry and soy sauce for an hour before cooking. If you don’t have sherry, apple juice or white wine can be good substitutes. You can also add vegetables like snap peas or carrots to enhance nutrition and color, similar to those found in other Chinese recipes. Adjust the level of ginger to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice to soak up the sweet and sour sauce. You might also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. For a more hearty option, consider serving it with noodles, similar to the American Oriental Stir-Fry. Garnish with additional slivered ginger for an extra zing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mccall'S Microwave Sweet-And-Sour Chicken contains roughly 635 calories, with 49g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (98% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% 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. However, be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and microwaving. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors. If you’re short on time, using thawed chicken will yield the best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine and microwave until heated through. This is a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I substitute for pineapple chunks?
If you prefer not to use pineapple, you can substitute it with other fruits such as diced mango or bell peppers for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use a mixture of sweet and sour sauce for a similar taste without the fruit.
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).