Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Try this healthy sweet and sour chicken recipe.
Try this healthy sweet and sour chicken recipe.
- 2 tablespoons oil
- garlic powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- sauce
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1
- tablespoon
- 1/2
- chopped
- red bell pepper
- 2
- 1/4
- cup
- sugar
- oil
- ketchup
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- cold water
- soy sauce
- 3/4
- 1/3
- tablespoons
- teaspoon
- corn starch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- apple cider vinegar
- 3-4
- green bell pepper
- 1/2 white or yellow onion chopped
- ingredients3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness and chopped into 1 inch pieces 1/3 cup corn starch 2 tablespoons oil 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 white or yellow onion, chopped sauce3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (may sub white vine
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness and chopped into 1 inch pieces 1/3 cup corn starch 2 tablespoons oil 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 white or yellow onion, chopped
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness and chopped into 1 inch pieces 1/3 cup corn starch 2 tablespoons oil 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 white or yellow onion, chopped
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness and chopped into 1 inch pieces
- pounded to 1/2 inch thickness and chopped into 1 i
- white or yellow onion
- sauce3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (ma
- 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (may sub white v
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (may sub white vinegar)
- (may sub white vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt*
- onion salt*
- Carbohydrate 190.33111116155 g
- Cholesterol 760.55 mg
- Fat 513.033897039201 g
- Fiber 31.7840914037828 g
- Protein 87.268558138298 g
- Saturated Fat 157.487074634797 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2791g)
- Sodium 46512.1307987793 mg
- Sugar 158.547019757767 g
- Trans Fat 26.9744127608296 g
- Calories 5570 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare the chicken: Pound 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness and chop into 1-inch pieces.
- Dredge the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in 1/3 cup cornstarch.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1/2 a white or yellow onion.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar), 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over rice or noodles.
A Weeknight Winner: My Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant struggle. I'm always looking for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, don't compromise on flavor. That's where my healthy sweet and sour chicken comes in. This recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I need a satisfying dinner on the table fast, but still want something that's nutritious and tastes amazing.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. It’s incredibly adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add broccoli florets, other times I use a mix of carrots and snap peas. Feel free to experiment! The key to a truly delicious sweet and sour sauce is the balance of sweet and tangy flavors. I've perfected my recipe over time, tweaking it until it hit that perfect sweet and sour spot that leaves you wanting more. And the best part? It’s remarkably easy to make. Even on my most rushed evenings, I can have this entire dish prepared and on the table in under 30 minutes. The vibrant colors alone make it a feast for the eyes, but the taste will truly steal the show.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe is also surprisingly healthy. I’ve made adjustments to reduce the amount of oil and sugar traditionally found in sweet and sour chicken recipes, while still preserving the depth of flavor. The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and nutrients. I often serve it with a side of brown rice for a complete and balanced meal. My kids adore this dish, and it's a rare occasion when there are leftovers. It's the perfect combination of convenience, taste, and nutrition – exactly what I need in a busy week.
The Secret to Success: Don’t skimp on the vegetables! The colorful bell peppers and onions add both texture and a delightful sweetness to the dish. Make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Also, the quality of the apple cider vinegar is important. A good quality vinegar will make a significant difference in the overall taste of the sauce. I find that using a high-quality vinegar brings a brighter, more balanced flavor profile to the dish. And finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch more garlic powder, a dash of ginger, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
This healthy sweet and sour chicken has become a staple in our family. It's the kind of dish that makes everyone happy – from my picky eaters to my husband who appreciates a flavorful, yet healthy, weeknight meal. The recipe is straightforward enough for even novice cooks, and the results are always impressive. This recipe goes beyond just a simple meal; it’s about creating a quick, easy, and healthy eating experience for my family, without sacrificing taste or time.
I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own! Experiment with different vegetables, add your favorite spices, and most importantly, enjoy the deliciousness. Let me know in the comments below how you adapt this recipe to your own culinary preferences and share your variations with me – I'm always excited to hear from fellow home cooks! And who knows, your twist on this classic dish might just become my new family favorite.
Beyond the dinner table, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. I often find myself with extra bell peppers or onions after making other dishes, and this recipe is the perfect way to prevent them from going to waste. It also makes fantastic leftovers, which is a huge bonus for busy families. Simply store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat for a quick and easy lunch or dinner the next day. The flavors actually deepen upon reheating, making it even more delicious.
In the end, cooking shouldn't be a chore; it should be a joyful experience. And this healthy sweet and sour chicken recipe is a testament to that. It's a dish that brings together simplicity, flavor, and nutrition in a way that’s both satisfying and stress-free. So, ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe tonight – I guarantee you won't be disappointed! Your family will thank you for it.
