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–+ servings

Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken

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This quick sweet and sour chicken recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, caramelized onions, and juicy pineapple in a glossy sauce, making it a perfect kid-friendly weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Family-Friendly
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with boneless thighs for a richer flavor.
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped Mix different colors for visual appeal.
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks Fresh or canned works; reserve juice if using canned.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce Can use homemade or store-bought.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooked rice, as needed for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Chop chicken and vegetables and mince garlic so everything cooks quickly.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes depending on piece size. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté chopped onion for 2 minutes until starting to soften. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Toss in chopped bell peppers and cook 2-3 minutes; you want them tender-crisp.
  5. Return chicken to the pan. Add pineapple chunks and pour in the sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve immediately over warm cooked rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Notes

For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar-reduced sweet and sour sauce or make your own. Keep the pan hot but not smoking to avoid steaming the chicken.
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