Sweet-And-Sour Chicken
Sweet-and-sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavor of chicken with a tangy sauce made from vinegar and pineapple. The addition of bell peppers adds a fresh crunch, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
- Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil and brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
- Add the green pepper and pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or let the dish simmer a bit longer. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. You can substitute the green pepper with bell peppers of any color or even snap peas for a different flavor profile. For a quicker meal, use pre-cut chicken pieces or rotisserie chicken. This Sweet-And-Sour Chicken pairs beautifully with Chicken Fried Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet-And-Sour Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It also goes well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for freshness. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch. This dish is great for a family dinner or when entertaining guests, making it a versatile addition to your collection of Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-And-Sour Chicken contains roughly 404 calories, with 3g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2375mg per serving (103% 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 chicken breast instead of frying chicken pieces?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding the sauce.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you don't have pineapple, you can substitute with diced mango or even peaches for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Another option is using a combination of bell peppers and a splash of orange juice for added sweetness.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Sweet-And-Sour Chicken is great for meal prep. Just prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, and then portion it into containers. It's a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
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).