Sweet And Sour Sauce For Chicken
Sweet and tangy sauce with soy, lemon, and brown sugar that complements grilled or broiled chicken, adding a flavorful glaze or gravy element.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Cook the sauce briefly until heated through.
- Use as a glaze for chicken cooked under the broiler or on a grill, collecting extra sauce for gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water) during cooking. You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different flavor profile. If you want a bit of heat, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. This sweet and sour sauce is also great for dipping, so keep it handy for appetizers like Vegetarian recipes or spring rolls.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and sour sauce pairs beautifully with grilled or broiled chicken, making it a perfect addition to any summer barbecue. Serve alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like spring rolls or even alongside Vanilla Eclairs for an unexpected twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, you can thin it out with a little water or additional lemon juice when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Sauce For Chicken contains roughly 53 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 514mg per serving (22% 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 sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet and sour sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I use this sauce for other proteins?
Absolutely! This sweet and sour sauce works well with various proteins such as shrimp, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it's cooked through. It also makes a great glaze for roasted vegetables, enhancing their flavor beautifully.
What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?
Serve sweet and sour chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a classic pairing. For added freshness, consider a side salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also complement the dish with sides like stir-fried vegetables or even a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
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).