Craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors? Look no further than this delightful Sweet and Sour Chicken Sauté! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant and colorful meal that will impress your family and friends. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and juicy pineapple, this recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to bring a taste of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Bell peppers
- Pineapple chunks
- Onion
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Garlic
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Dice bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces. Drain pineapple chunks and set aside.
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature for better seasoning absorption.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Introduce diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce is heated and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and chicken in advance. This way, you can quickly toss everything together when you're ready to cook.
- High Heat is Key: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the oil and chicken. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking the chicken in two separate batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, which affects the texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can add even more color and nutrients to your dish.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sweet and sour sauce or a sprinkle of sugar. For a tangier kick, a splash of vinegar can do wonders.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and presentation. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
