Quick Sweet And Sour Chicken
A quick and flavorful sweet and sour chicken dish featuring tangy sauce, pineapple, and crispy fried chicken, perfect for a satisfying meal anyone can prepare at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut 4 bone-in chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces.
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oil, and wine for 1 hour.
- Make a batter using pancake mix, egg, and milk.
- Add the marinated chicken to the batter to coat evenly.
- Deep fry the coated chicken until golden and cooked through. Drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup or tomato sauce, white vinegar, water, pineapple juice and chunks, sugar, and quartered whole onions.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add chopped green onions to the sauce and serve the sweet and sour chicken with the sauce poured over.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using chicken breast instead of bone-in pieces and baking them instead of frying. You can substitute the pineapple juice with orange juice for a different flavor. If you have a gluten intolerance, use a gluten-free pancake mix for the batter. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil for a deeper umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. To add more color and nutrition, pair it with a side of Fresh Vegetable Stir-Fry. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it with a light salad or some crunchy Chinese Beets.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 207 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 664mg per serving (29% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinate it ahead of time. Just coat it in batter and fry it just before serving for the best texture. The sauce can also be made in advance; simply reheat it before serving.
What can I use instead of ketchup?
If you're looking for a substitute for ketchup, you can use tomato sauce mixed with a little sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweetness and tang. Alternatively, homemade barbecue sauce can also work well for a unique flavor twist.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, sweet and sour chicken is generally a hit with kids due to its sweet flavor. You can adjust the sugar levels to suit their taste. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and cut into manageable pieces for younger children.
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).