Microwave Sweet And Sour Chicken
A quick and flavorful microwave dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and salt. Coat the chicken pieces with this mixture.
- Place the coated chicken in a 1 1/2 to 2-quart microwave-safe dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Top the chicken with sliced onions and bell pepper.
- Microwave on high for 6 minutes.
- Stir the mixture and microwave for an additional 6 minutes.
- Check if the chicken is cooked through. If not, microwave for 1 to 2 minutes more and check again.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of flour with a bit of water before adding it to the chicken. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Adding pineapple chunks can enhance the sweet and sour flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. Explore more Chinese recipes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of steamed rice or with fried rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Quick Chicken Broccoli Oriental, creating a delightful Chinese-themed feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 793 calories, with 23g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator first for even cooking. If you use frozen chicken, increase the microwave cooking time by a few minutes, checking for doneness regularly.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari. Coconut aminos can also be used as a soy sauce alternative for a slightly sweeter flavor without the gluten.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the sauce mixture. You can also add sliced jalapeños or chili peppers along with the bell pepper for an extra kick.
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).