Healthy and quick sweet & sour chicken :A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish
Looking for a delicious, healthy, and quick alternative to your favorite takeout dish? This Quick & Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken brings all the flavors you love without the extra calories or unhealthy additives.
Packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthy Alternative: Uses lean chicken breast and a homemade sauce without excess sugar or sodium.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful & Satisfying: Tangy, sweet, and savory all in one bite.
Customizable: Easily swap veggies or adjust the sauce to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Veggies:
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, not syrup)
1 small red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional for Serving:
Steamed brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
Sauté the red onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Stir in pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.
Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the veggies.
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve:
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over your choice of rice or grain.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips for Success
Cornstarch Coating: Helps create a light, crispy texture on the chicken without deep-frying.
Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less honey depending on your preference.
Extra Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make great additions.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a kick.
Health Benefits
Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of low-fat protein.
Vibrant Veggies: Bell peppers and pineapple add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Homemade Sauce: Lower in sugar and sodium compared to takeout versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this sweet and sour chicken ahead of time? Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Absolutely. Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and stay tender. Just trim any excess fat before cooking.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut amino.
4. Can I freeze sweet and sour chicken? While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
5. What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken? It pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-crab option.
6. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu or temper and follow the same cooking steps.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken delivers bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying balance of sweet and tangy—all in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect guilt-free alternative to takeout that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal without compromising on taste!