Sweet-N-Sour Chicken
Sweet-N-Sour Chicken is a delightful blend of tender chicken and colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a tangy, sweet sauce. The combination of brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is sure to please. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion in 2 tablespoons shortening.
- Add carrots, water, and bouillon cubes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, catsup, vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Add to vegetable mixture and cook until clear.
- Add green pepper and chicken.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve with rice or angel hair noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. If you don't have shortening, you can use vegetable oil instead. Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding pineapple chunks can enhance the sweetness, making it similar to a sweet and sour pork dish. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet-N-Sour Chicken over steamed rice or angel hair noodles for a delightful meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad to balance the flavors. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a light Chicken Salad to refresh your palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This dish can also be frozen but is best consumed fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-N-Sour Chicken contains roughly 1061 calories, with 3g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1509mg per serving (66% 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. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it's fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for chicken bouillon cubes?
If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, you can use chicken broth instead. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well. Just replace the water in the recipe with the same amount of broth to maintain the flavor profile of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of sriracha when serving. Adjust the spice level to your preference to keep the dish enjoyable while maintaining its sweet and sour 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).