SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN

Craving takeout but want something fresher, healthier, and packed with flavor? Discover how easy it is to make your own crispy, tangy sweet and sour chicken at home—no delivery fee required!

(Instagram Video)

Why we love Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Homemade sweet and sour chicken is such a great dish! The tangy, sweet sauce is just unbeatable. 

This homemade version of sweet and sour chicken is much healthier than take out. I sing coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index, cooking the chicken in the stove top rather than in oil, plus no added MSG or unnecessary ingredients. This healthier twist will have you coming back for more. 

Ingredients 

• Chicken Breast - Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues, support muscle growth, and boost metabolism. It’s lower in fat compared to other meats like pork or beef, making it a healthier option.
• Sea Salt - Sea salt has a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt, which can enhance the overall flavor of your sweet and sour chicken without making it taste overly salty. My favorite and recommended salt is from Redmond. Redmond Sea Salt is unrefined, meaning it retains the natural trace minerals found in seawater, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. (code GFMACROS)
• Coconut Aminos - Coconut aminos is naturally gluten free. It is also significantly lower in sodium compared to soy sauce or tamari. Coconut aminos has a naturally sweet flavor profile, which works especially well in sweet and sour chicken. 
• Pineapple - Pineapple is a key ingredient in many sweet and sour chicken recipes. Pineapple adds a natural, tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy and acidic elements of the sweet and sour sauce. Pineapple is also rich in vitamin C. 
• Carrots - Carrots provide a satisfying crunchy texture, which contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and the softer vegetables like bell peppers or onions. Carrots also help balance out the tanginess from the vinegar and the pineapple, making the dish more harmonious and well-rounded.
• Bell Peppers - Bell peppers, especially when sliced into strips, provide a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and the other ingredients. The crunchiness adds a refreshing element to the dish, making each bite more interesting and satisfying.
• Coconut Sugar - Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar. Using an unrefined sweetener like coconut sugar can be a better choice if you're looking to minimize processed ingredients in your cooking.
• Rice Vinegar - Unlike other vinegars, rice vinegar has a slightly sweet undertone, which works perfectly in sweet and sour dishes. It enhances the dish’s overall flavor without making it taste overly sour.

OPTIONAL:

• Jasmine Rice - Jasmine rice is easy on the stomach and is often recommended for people with digestive issues. It is a low-fiber grain compared to brown rice, making it gentler for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive problems. Jasmine rice also contains small amounts of iron.
• Cauliflower Rice - Cauliflower rice is much lower in carbohydrates than regular rice, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
• Onion - Onions bring a savory flavor that balances out the sweetness and sourness of the dish. Onions are low in calories but rich in essential nutrients, making them a healthy way to add volume and flavor to your sweet and sour chicken without significantly increasing the calorie count.

{SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN}

Serves 4

222 cal | 2g F | 30g C | 23g P

14oz chicken breast, cubed
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 c pineapple chunks
180g pineapple juice
4 Tbs coconut sugar (48g)
2 Tbs cornstarch
4 The rice vinegar (60g)
3 Tbs coconut aminos (45g)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger paste (5g)
100g green bell pepper
100g red bell pepper

80g carrots 

Optional:

Onions

jasmine rice

Green onions

Sesame seeds

1) Dice chicken. Sprinkle with seasonings. Cook until no longer pink.

2) Drain pineapple, reserving syrup.

3) Combine sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.

4) Add pineapple juice, vinegar, coconut aminos, salt, garlic & ginger paste Mix on medium until sauce thickens.

5) Saute veggies in a skillet for 3-5 minutes.

6) Add chicken, veggies and pineapple to the sauce.

7) Mix and reheat.

8) Serve as desired. We love this with jasmine rice. 

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you think! I also love seeing what you make, please tag me on Instagram! This helps me to create more for each of you!