Sweet and Sour Chicken (Gluten-free)
Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken (Gluten-free) recipe
Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken (Gluten-free) recipe
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken tenders (or chicken brea
- 1/4 cup oil (your choice)
- 1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks drained
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (use slightly less if using fr strong cider)
- 1 tbsp. gluten-free soy sauce (i use san-j gf tamari)
- Carbohydrate 10.8063431719314 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0414662947790221 g
- Fiber 0.11279963959732 g
- Protein 0.230984579295062 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00592794841580926 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (178g)
- Sodium 8506.17468764715 mg
- Sugar 10.6935435323341 g
- Trans Fat 0.0112798872324206 g
- Calories 44 calories
Step-by-step
- Using kitchen shears, trim off any excess skin, then cut the chicken breasts or tenders into chunks.
- Set a gallon-sized Ziploc bag in a bowl and fold over the top to hold in place. Add cornstarch, pepper, and garlic salt. Seal and shake bag to mix together.
- Place the bag back in the bowl and fold over the top to hold in place again. Add the chicken chunks. Seal and shake the bag to mix together.
- In a large, non-stick skillet, add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add half of the chicken pieces and cook just until brown, but not cooked through, flipping pieces to brown two sides.
- Remove chicken from pan and place into a 9x13 baking dish.
- Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Add one can of pineapple chunks (be sure to drain first) to the chicken in the pan. Set pan of chicken aside while you make the sauce.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, gluten-free soy sauce, and garlic salt.
- Pour over the chicken and pineapple.
- Bake for one hour at 325°. Every 15 minutes, remove from oven and stir, flipping chicken pieces.
- Remove from oven and serve over white or brown rice.
- Bonus: If you want extra sauce for drizzling, make a second batch of sauce and add to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Whisk constantly and let it cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced, about 7 minutes.
My Sweet and Sour Chicken Adventure: A Gluten-Free Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present laundry mountain. So, when I stumble upon a recipe that's both quick and satisfying, it's a small victory worth celebrating. This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is one of those wins. The ease of preparation, combined with the vibrant flavors, makes it a frequent fixture on our family dinner table.
What initially drew me to this recipe was the promise of a gluten-free option. My youngest has some dietary restrictions, and finding gluten-free alternatives that don't compromise on taste is always a challenge. This recipe delivers on that front, using gluten-free soy sauce and focusing on the natural sweetness of pineapple and a touch of apple cider vinegar. The result? A dish that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful. The balance of sweet and sour is perfectly harmonious, offering a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
The process itself is remarkably straightforward. The recipe guides you through each step with precision, making it accessible to even the most novice cooks. The use of a Ziploc bag for marinating the chicken is a clever time-saver, allowing for easy and even coating of the chicken pieces. The baking process, while requiring some attention (stirring every 15 minutes), is surprisingly low-maintenance. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up on emails, fold laundry, or even enjoy a few moments of quiet before the dinner rush truly begins.
The final product is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The chicken is perfectly tender, the sauce is luscious and tangy, and the pineapple adds a delightful sweetness and juicy texture. Serving it over rice completes the meal, providing a satisfying and comforting base. The leftovers are equally enjoyable, perfect for a quick lunch the next day. I often double the recipe, knowing that the leftovers will be just as satisfying as the first serving.
Beyond the practicality and deliciousness of the recipe, this dish has become more than just a meal. It’s a source of comfort and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there is time for wholesome, delicious food. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of time and care. It's a recipe that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, from busy professionals to stay-at-home moms – anyone who appreciates a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal.
The sweet and sour flavors are balanced beautifully, and the chicken is juicy and tender. This is a dish I'll definitely be making again and again. If you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is both healthy and delicious, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try.
One small tip I've learned along the way is to adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar based on your preference. If you prefer a less intense sourness, start with slightly less than the recommended amount and add more to taste. Likewise, don't hesitate to experiment with other vegetables. A bit of bell pepper or broccoli florets would add a nice textural and flavor dimension.
Cooking, for me, is not just about sustenance; it's about creating memories and sharing those moments with my loved ones. This simple yet flavorful Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe has become a part of those cherished memories. It’s a recipe that brings our family together, a dish that tastes as good as the love and laughter shared while we eat it. And that, to me, is the most rewarding aspect of cooking. It's more than just a meal; it's a connection, a celebration, a shared experience.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on this culinary adventure. You won't be disappointed. This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is more than just a dish; it's a testament to the simple joys of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with those you love.
