sweet and sour chicken with rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sweet and sour chicken with rice recipe
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The Best sweet and sour chicken with rice recipe

I’m so excited to share this sweet and sour chicken with rice recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to please.

The combination of sweet and sour flavors is absolutely addictive, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. I love that it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning you can cook the chicken, sauce, and rice all in one pot. It’s a game-changer for busy home cooks like me who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious as the first batch, making it a great option for meal prep or family gatherings. As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other Chinese-inspired dishes, thanks to the use of brown rice and lean protein. My kids love helping me cook this meal, too – they enjoy watching the sauce simmer and thicken, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

I’ve served this dish at countless family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always been a hit. I think what I love most about this recipe is that it’s just so comforting and satisfying – it feels like a big hug in a bowl. So if you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, look no further than this sweet and sour chicken with rice recipe!

It’s definitely worth trying out.

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice

4.8 from 919 votes

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice is a classic dish featuring tender chicken in a tangy sweet sauce served with steamed rice. The dish is a delightful mix of flavors with a balance of sweet and sour notes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped

For the Rice

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
2Place the rice, water, and salt in a saucepan.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5Fluff with a fork and set aside.
6In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
7Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
8Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
9In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
10Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
11In a small bowl, mix together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, water, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
12Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
13Stir well to combine.
14Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat.
15Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
16Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
17Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened further.
18Serve the sweet and sour chicken over the cooked rice.
19Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Saucepan with lid
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use pineapple chunks for added sweetness and texture.

This sweet and sour chicken with rice recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck or family gathering. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers as needed and reheat when you’re ready.

You can also easily scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving. One final tip: don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients!

Feel free to swap out different types of protein or add your favorite vegetables – this recipe is incredibly versatile.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice

Q: What type of protein can I use in place of chicken?

You can substitute beef, pork, or tofu for the chicken in this recipe if you prefer. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken up to a day in advance. However, it’s best to assemble and serve the dish fresh for optimal flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute an equal amount of white sugar or honey for the brown sugar if needed.

Q: Can I serve this dish cold?

This dish is best served warm, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat as needed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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