Oriental Chicken Breasts
Oriental Chicken Breasts feature tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce with pineapple, oranges, and peppers, perfect for a flavorful Asian-inspired meal for the family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat salad oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, then pour off any excess oil.
- Combine brown sugar, vinegar, salt, powdered ginger, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
- Blend cornstarch with pineapple juice until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and remaining ingredients to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and peppers are cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. You can also swap out the pineapple and mandarin oranges for other fruits like peaches or apricots for a different flavor profile. This dish is reminiscent of Sweet And Sour Chicken(China), providing a tangy yet sweet combination.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oriental Chicken Breasts over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Fresh, crisp vegetables like broccoli or snap peas make excellent side dishes, balancing the sweet flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or can be part of a larger spread featuring other Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Chicken Breasts contains roughly 485 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly; pork may need a slightly longer cooking time, while tofu can be added just until heated through.
What can I serve with Oriental Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Consider a simple cucumber salad for added freshness.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce up to a day ahead. Just cook it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious. Store any uncooked chicken in the refrigerator.
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).