Sweet And Sour Chicken(Chinese)
Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a vibrant combination of crispy chicken, colorful peppers, pineapple chunks, and a tangy sauce, making it a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its balanced sweet and sour flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red pepper strips ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can chunk pineapple in juice ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp vinegar ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry onion in garlic and ginger in hot oil for 1 minute.
- Add peppers and stir until crisp-tender.
- Remove vegetables from pan and add chicken.
- Stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
- Return vegetables to the pan with the chicken.
- Mix cornstarch with soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the pan.
- Add pineapple chunks to the mixture.
- Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly.
- Serve hot with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy texture, coat the chicken cubes in cornstarch before cooking. You can substitute bell peppers with any colorful veggies you have on hand, like snap peas or carrots. If you're short on time, pre-cut chicken or rotisserie chicken can save you effort. For a healthier option, consider using brown rice instead of white rice as your base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For added flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad. For more delightful options, explore other Chinese recipes that complement this meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain the texture and flavor. If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken(Chinese) contains roughly 1511 calories, with 13g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2941mg per serving (128% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen, but be aware that the cooking time will increase significantly.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. Alternatively, coconut aminos can be a good substitute, offering a slightly sweeter flavor. Just be mindful that the overall taste may vary depending on the substitute used.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Sweet And Sour Chicken, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the stir-fry. You can also drizzle some sriracha or chili sauce into the sauce mixture for an extra kick. Adjust to your spice preference for the perfect balance!
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).