Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe from China with Apricot and Sugar Snap Peas

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that can be made in no time. With a combination of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors has made it a favorite among many people around the world.

Ingredients

0.5 x 10- to 12 oz (340 g) package of frozen breaded chicken chunks
1 x 8.75 oz (248 g) can of apricot halves in syrup, drained
1 x 8 oz (227 g) package of frozen sugar snap peas
2 tbsp of bottled sweet and sour sauce
1 tsp of soy sauce
1 cup of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Bake the chicken chunks according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, heat the apricots, peas, sweet and sour sauce, and soy sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the peas are tender-crisp.
Stir the chicken into the apricot mixture.
Serve the chicken mixture over rice.

Variations

Feel free to add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or pineapple for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to bake the chicken chunks according to the package directions to ensure they are cooked through.

- Be careful not to overcook the sugar snap peas, as they should be tender-crisp for the best texture.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken chunks and then combining them with the sweet and sour sauce on the stovetop ensures that the chicken stays crispy while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh chicken breast chunks instead of frozen breaded chicken if you prefer a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a bowl over a bed of hot cooked rice for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken pairs well with a side of steamed white rice or fried rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice providing the majority of the carbs in this recipe.

Fats

The breaded chicken chunks add some fat to this dish, but it is still a relatively low-fat meal overall.

Proteins

The chicken in this dish is a good source of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

The sugar snap peas in this dish are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the breaded chicken) and soy (from the soy sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins.

Summary

This Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dish that is sure to please your taste buds. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is a great option for a weeknight dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to sampling her latest creations.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of sweet and sour chicken wafting through the air. Margaret beamed with pride as she handed me a plate piled high with golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sticky sauce. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with this delectable dish.

"Margaret, this sweet and sour chicken is absolutely divine! Would you be so kind as to share the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Margaret chuckled and waved away my request. "Oh, it's nothing special, my dear. Just a simple recipe I picked up from a friend many years ago. But I'll be happy to write it down for you if you'd like."

I watched in awe as Margaret scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a piece of yellowed parchment. It was a straightforward recipe, with just a handful of ingredients that could easily be found in any pantry. I thanked Margaret profusely and tucked the recipe away in my purse, vowing to recreate this delicious dish for my own family.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen. The recipe was surprisingly easy to follow, and before long, the sweet aroma of sweet and sour chicken filled my own home. As I took my first bite, memories of my visit to Margaret's cottage flooded back, and I felt a warm sense of nostalgia wash over me.

From that day on, sweet and sour chicken became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would often whip up a batch for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from my loved ones. The recipe was a hit with everyone who tried it, and I quickly became known as the "sweet and sour chicken queen" among my friends and family.

Over the years, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I experimented with different types of vinegar, sweeteners, and seasonings, until I finally settled on the perfect combination of flavors that made my sweet and sour chicken truly stand out.

One day, as I was preparing a batch of sweet and sour chicken for a family dinner, my granddaughter wandered into the kitchen and watched me with curious eyes.

"Grandma, what are you making?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

"I'm making sweet and sour chicken, my dear. Would you like to help me?" I replied, smiling at her eagerness.

My granddaughter nodded enthusiastically and eagerly rolled up her sleeves, ready to assist me in the kitchen. Together, we chopped vegetables, marinated the chicken, and stirred the sauce, all the while chatting and laughing as we bonded over our shared love of cooking.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, my granddaughter took a bite of the sweet and sour chicken and her eyes lit up with delight.

"Grandma, this is amazing! Can you teach me how to make it?" she exclaimed, her face beaming with joy.

And so, I passed down the recipe for quick sweet and sour chicken to my granddaughter, just as Margaret had done for me all those years ago. I watched with pride as she carefully copied down the instructions on a piece of paper, her fingers stained with soy sauce and vinegar.

As I sat back and watched the next generation carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing delicious meals, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and fulfillment. This recipe had brought me closer to my dear friend Margaret, created lasting memories with my family, and now, it was being passed down to my granddaughter, ensuring that the legacy of this beloved dish would live on for years to come.

And so, the moment I found this recipe will always be cherished, not just for the delicious flavors it brings to the table, but for the love, laughter, and connection it has brought into my life. Cooking, after all, is not just about food – it's about creating memories, sharing stories, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. And that, my dear, is the true magic of a good recipe.