Looking for a quick and delicious meal prep option that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this Sweet and Sour Chicken Meal Prep! With its vibrant colors, mouthwatering flavors, and a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your palate. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up four hearty servings of this Chinese-inspired classic, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lunch on the go. Dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create a wholesome meal that your family will love!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with cornstarch to create a crispy exterior when cooking.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Cook chicken pieces in batches, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown color and crisp exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Remove cooked chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still maintaining crunch.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour sweet and sour sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through.
- Divide cooked rice into four meal prep containers, then top each with an equal portion of the sweet and sour chicken mixture.
- Let meals cool completely before sealing and refrigerating, which will help maintain food safety and quality.
Tips
- Uniform Cuts for Even Cooking: When preparing the chicken, aim for uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that every piece cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy texture.
- Crispy Chicken Magic: For an extra crispy exterior, lightly coat the seasoned chicken with cornstarch before cooking. This simple step makes a world of difference!
- Batch Cooking: Cook the chicken in batches rather than overcrowding the skillet. This allows each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown color and prevents steaming.
- Sauté with Care: When sautéing the bell peppers, keep them slightly crunchy for a delightful texture contrast. A quick 2-3 minutes is all they need!
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the sweet and sour sauce simmer with the chicken and vegetables for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and cohesive dish.
- Meal Prep with Ease: Divide the cooked rice into containers first, then top with the chicken mixture. This helps with portion control and makes for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Cool Before Sealing: Allow the meals to cool completely before sealing them in the refrigerator. This helps maintain food safety and ensures your meal prep stays fresh throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
