Quick Sweet And Sour Chicken(Microwave)
A quick and flavorful microwave dish featuring tender chicken chunks coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and green onions, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple juice into a 2-quart casserole.
- Blend the juice with cornstarch, then stir in corn syrup, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Add the chicken cubes to the mixture and stir to coat.
- Microwave on high for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, and ensure you blend it well with the pineapple juice. You can substitute the corn syrup with honey or agave syrup if preferred. If you want to add more vegetables, consider including bell peppers or snap peas, which complement the sweet and sour flavor beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Quick Sweet And Sour Chicken over steamed rice or with Lo Mein for a complete meal. You can garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the sweetness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Sweet And Sour Chicken(Microwave) contains roughly 401 calories, with 7g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% 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, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper sauce absorption. It may take a little longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to confirm it reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for pineapple chunks?
If you don't have pineapple chunks, you can use canned peach slices or mango chunks in juice as an alternative. These fruits will provide a similar sweetness and balance to the dish. Just ensure to adjust the amount of sugar or corn syrup based on the sweetness of your substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store it in individual containers, and it will keep well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy days.
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).