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Discover the ultimate Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe that will transform your dinner into a delightful culinary adventure. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week, this recipe promises to be the best you've ever tried. Say goodbye to takeout with this simple step-by-step guide to creating a mouthwatering masterpiece at home.

Ah, sweet and sour chicken—the dish that dances on your taste buds with its perfect balance of tangy sweetness and robust flavors. It's like that song that gets stuck in your head, but in the best way possible, making you come back for more. Originating from the vibrant culinary landscapes of China, this dish has waltzed its way across continents, making a name for itself as a beloved staple in households and restaurants alike. Let's embark on a flavorful journey to create this mouthwatering dish right in your kitchen!

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

Gather around, fellow food enthusiasts, as we unveil the stars of our show:

• 3 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—the blank canvas awaiting our colorful flavors.
• 18 oz. of Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce—the heart and soul of our dish, bringing that signature tangy sweetness.
• 20 oz. of Dole Pineapple Chunks—because what's sweet and sour chicken without the cheerful burst of pineapples?
• 2 green bell peppers, adding a crunch and color that complements our dish wonderfully.
• 1 medium white onion—because a little bit of sharpness brings out the best in sweet flavors.
• Don’t forget your side of cooked white rice—the perfect partner to our saucy creation.

Instructions: The Path to Deliciousness

1. Setting the Stage: Begin by pouring the pineapple juice (just the juice, hold those chunks!) into your crockpot, then nestle the chicken in it.
2. The Slow Dance: Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, covered. This slow process ensures our chicken is tender and ready to soak up the flavors.
3. The Transformation: After the cooking time, drain the juices, cube the chicken, and bring it back to its crockpot stage.
4. The Flavor Party: Mix the sweet & sour sauce, those reserved pineapple chunks, chopped onions, and peppers. Stir well, and let the flavors mingle over the chicken.
5. The Final Countdown: Pour the flavorful mixture over the chicken, give it a good stir, and cook on low for another hour, covered.

Cooking Tips: Elevating Your Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Cube Uniformly: Ensure your chicken cubes are of uniform size for even cooking.
• Sauce It Up: Don't hesitate to adjust the sauce quantity to suit your taste buds.
• Freshness Matters: Fresh ingredients will always give your dish a vibrant lift.

Serving Suggestions: Dressing Up Your Dish

Serve your sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. For a more dramatic presentation, consider shaping the rice into a dome. Garnish with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, and finely sliced green onions for a pop of color. A drizzle of Sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful zing. A handful of crushed peanuts or cashews introduces a satisfying crunch, making your dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Nutritional Information: Good to Know

This dish offers a good balance of protein and carbs. Opting for a low-sodium sweet and sour sauce reduces the sodium content, making it heart-friendly. Using brown rice increases fiber, aiding digestion and health. Making your sauce can control sugar levels, with fresh ingredients enhancing the dish's nutritious profile.

Variations: Playing with Flavors

Feel adventurous by adding mango chunks for a tropical twist, or swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option. Red bell peppers add sweetness, and a splash of orange juice introduces a citrusy twist, allowing for endless customization to your palate.

The Perfect Side Dishes: Completing the Meal

Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp salad balance the richness with freshness. Egg rolls or spring rolls complement the meal with their crispy texture and savory fillings, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Storing and Reheating: Savoring Every Bite

Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce to rejuvenate the dish, ensuring it remains delicious.

1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just ensure it's fully thawed before starting.
2. Is it gluten-free? Swap the sauce for a gluten-free option to make it so.
3. Can I make it spicier? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
4. How long can I store leftovers? Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
5. Can I use a different sauce? Yes, feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your perfect match.

 

Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Ingredients

• 3 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (fresh or thawed)
• 18 oz. Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce (about 1 1/2 bottles)
• 20 oz. Dole Pineapple Chunks
• 2 Green Bell Peppers, chopped into ½″ – 1″ pieces
• 1 Medium White Onion, chopped into ½″ – 1″ pieces
• Cooked White Rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Pour only the pineapple juice from the can into the crockpot. Add the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the Chicken:
3. For high heat, cook for 3 hours.
4. For low heat, cook for 6 hours. Ensure the crockpot is covered.
5. Drain and Cube: After cooking, drain the juices from the crockpot. Remove the chicken, cut it into cubes, and then return the chicken cubes to the crockpot.
6. Add Flavors: Mix the sweet & sour sauce, drained pineapple chunks, chopped onions, and chopped peppers. Stir well to combine.
7. Final Cook: Pour the mixture over the cubed chicken in the crockpot. Stir to ensure the chicken is well coated. Cook on LOW for 1 more hour, covered.
8. Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked white rice. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 915Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 289mgSodium 729mgCarbohydrates 88gFiber 2gSugar 47gProtein 108g