Sweet And Sour Chicken Packets
Sweet and sour chicken packets feature tender chicken breasts with pineapple, vegetables, and a tangy sauce, baked to perfection—ideal for quick, flavorful family dinners.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained and reserving 1/2 cup juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chicken flavored instant bouillon ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 4 skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 4 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 4 onions, sliced ⓘ
- 4 potatoes, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken bouillon, and ground ginger; mix well.
- Place each chicken breast on a large square of aluminum foil.
- Distribute the drained pineapple chunks, sliced carrots, onions, potatoes, and green bell pepper evenly over each chicken breast.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in each foil packet.
- Fold and seal the foil around each chicken and its toppings.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Refrigerate any leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, consider adding more brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. Feel free to substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result. You can also mix in other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers to suit your taste. Make sure to seal the foil packets tightly to prevent any leaks during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken Packets with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh green salad or stir-fried oriental vegetables with chicken complements this dish nicely, adding a nutritious crunch. For a delightful twist, consider pairing it with some crispy spring rolls or egg rolls for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the foil packet on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a microwave-safe plate for a quicker option, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Packets contains roughly 1456 calories, with 32g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and iron (156% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% 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 recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just ensure the ingredients are fresh and the packets are tightly sealed to maintain flavor and moisture.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
You can easily substitute chicken thighs or even shrimp for a different protein. If you opt for shrimp, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking, baking for about 20-25 minutes instead.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add heartier vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.
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).