Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Try this Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.
Try this Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- hot cooked rice
- stir-fry:
- 1 tsp garlic
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1/3 up brown sugar
- 3 tbsp canola oil divided
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple in juice
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 large onion cut into wedges
- 3 celery ribs sliced
- scallions sliced for topping (i used 3)
- Carbohydrate 43.0983354119878 g
- Cholesterol 43.8472624333333 mg
- Fat 8.33385417775085 g
- Fiber 1.57516729194119 g
- Protein 20.6219106336225 g
- Saturated Fat 0.846636681199932 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (281g)
- Sodium 295.743076399605 mg
- Sugar 41.5231681200466 g
- Trans Fat 0.44152168179335 g
- Calories 333 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a large ziploc bag, combine chicken, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shake and toss well to coat chicken.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp canola oil. Add chicken and cook until evenly browned on all sides. Remove from heat.
- Heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil in same skillet and add onions and peppers. Saute until crisp-tender, then add carrots.
- Return chicken to skillet and toss with veggies to combine.
- Whisk sauce and pour into skillet. Bring to a boil and cook chicken and veggie mixture in sauce until heated through.
- Serve over white or brown rice and sprinkle with scallions.
Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like an impossible task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe has become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and the whole family loves it. The vibrant colors, sweet and tangy sauce, and tender chicken make it a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. I often find myself making a double batch because leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking. I often add broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrients and crunch. Sometimes, when I'm feeling adventurous, I'll swap out the pineapple for some mandarin oranges for a completely different flavor profile. The key is to keep the balance of sweet and sour, which the brown sugar and rice vinegar perfectly achieve. It's a recipe that allows for creativity and improvisation in the kitchen, which I truly appreciate on busy evenings.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this dish is also surprisingly healthy. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a much better option than takeout, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal without the added sodium and unhealthy fats often found in restaurant-prepared dishes. And the best part? The cleanup is a breeze! Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, minimizing the number of dishes I have to wash after dinner, a small but significant victory in my busy life.
Making it your own:
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes after adding the chicken and vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of rice or noodles as a base. Quinoa or even cauliflower rice would be a delicious and healthy alternative.
Beyond the dinner table:
This sweet and sour chicken is not just for weeknight dinners; it's also perfect for potlucks, parties, and even lunchboxes. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers are just as satisfying cold. It's a recipe that's always a hit, whether it's a casual family gathering or a more formal occasion.
Tips and tricks:
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and browns nicely.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, if you like a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon or two more.
- Add some heat: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Garnish generously: Fresh scallions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro make great garnishes and add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a flavor explosion, and a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a new family favorite in no time!
