Quick Sweet And Sour Supper
A vibrant sweet and sour chicken dish featuring apricot preserves and chili sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir chicken and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet or wok until tender and lightly browned, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in scallions, apricot preserves, and chili sauce.
- Heat through.
- Serve over prepared Minute rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. You can substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Using fresh apricots in place of apricot preserves gives a bright taste, but will require additional sweetening.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over prepared Minute rice, which absorbs the sweet and sour sauce beautifully. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad pairs well, adding a crunchy contrast to the dish. For added texture, consider serving with crispy wonton strips on top, or browse more Chinese recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Sweet And Sour Supper contains roughly 475 calories, with 29g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or shrimp, adjusting cooking times as necessary. Pork should be cooked until fully done, while shrimp only needs a few minutes until they turn pink. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu works well and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
What if I can't find apricot preserves?
If apricot preserves are unavailable, you can use other fruit preserves like peach or mango, or even make your own by simmering fresh fruit with sugar. Another option is to blend apricot nectar with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness and consistency.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the apricot preserves and add a bit of vinegar for tanginess. You can also increase the amount of chili sauce or add some soy sauce to balance the flavors, making it more savory.
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).