Sweet And Sour Cashew Chicken
Sweet And Sour Cashew Chicken combines the savory flavors of tender chicken and crisp bell peppers with a delightful sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple topping and soy sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, satisfying those craving a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 c. red bell pepper ⓘ
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) jar pineapple ice cream topping ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- Cooked rice ⓘ
- Toasted cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the peppers in the butter and oil until tender but not mushy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add the chicken to the skillet.
- If needed, add a little more butter and oil. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and tender.
- Add peppers back to skillet along with the ice cream topping, sugar, ginger, and vinegar.
- Stir to mix well.
- Combine the soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir until blended.
- Add to skillet, mixing well.
- Serve over rice and sprinkle the toasted cashews over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and choose skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. If you don't have pineapple ice cream topping, you can use a mix of pineapple chunks and a bit of maple syrup for a similar sweetness. While sautéing the peppers, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, which complements the sweet and sour flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs well with steamed broccoli or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition. For a fun twist, consider serving it with warm tortillas, making it a delicious handheld option. This recipe is a delightful alternative to traditional Chicken Chow Mein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sweet and Sour Cashew 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 prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Cashew Chicken contains roughly 457 calories, with 14g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2818mg per serving (123% 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 nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can easily substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts if you prefer. Both options will add a nice crunch to the dish. Just make sure to toast them beforehand for enhanced flavor and texture.
What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Cashew Chicken?
In addition to rice, you can serve this dish with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a bowl of egg drop soup or spring rolls as an appetizer.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this Sweet and Sour Cashew Chicken. Make sure to press and cube the tofu, then sauté it until golden brown before adding the other ingredients to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.
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).