"Quick And Easy" Sweet And Sour Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A quick and flavorful sweet and sour chicken dish with vibrant vegetables and pineapple, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken, cut in cubes
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 c. green pepper strips
  • 1 c. carrots strips
  • 1 1/4 c. chicken bouillon
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/3 c. teriyaki sauce
  • 1 (8 oz.) can chunk pineapple in juice
  • 1 1/2 c. instant rice

Instructions

  1. Saute chicken in oil until lightly browned.
  2. Add garlic, green pepper strips, carrots, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add chicken bouillon, teriyaki sauce, vinegar, sugar, and pineapple with juice.
  4. Bring to a full boil and simmer until flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a quicker prep, use pre-cut chicken and frozen vegetables. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar to 4 tablespoons. You can substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Feel free to add other veggies like snap peas or broccoli to enhance the dish. This recipe is great for using leftover chicken as well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet And Sour Chicken over fluffy instant rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a fun twist, consider serving it with spring rolls or alongside a bowl of Chicken And Rice Chow Mein for a hearty spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of "Quick And Easy" Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 1571 calories, with 11g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2387mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

1571 kcal 79% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 119.9g 100% DV
Carbs 117g 43% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 89.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2387.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 540.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 16.6mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 76.6mg 85% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 120.4mg 9% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV

* % 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 first for even cooking. If using frozen, dice it before cooking in oil to ensure it cooks through properly. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?

If you don't have teriyaki sauce, try a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Alternatively, a combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce can also work well, giving a similar sweet-savory flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add the sauce ingredients when you're ready to cook for a quick meal. This can save time on busy weeknights.

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).

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