Low-Syn Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe

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Low-Syn Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe
This recipe delivers a burst of flavor with tender chicken and a tangy sauce. It’s a simple dish to prepare and perfect for a midweek meal.

About Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • This includes preparing the chicken, marinating, chopping vegetables, and making the sauce.
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • This includes browning the chicken, sauteing vegetables, and baking the dish.
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), chopped
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 star anise
  • 4 baby leeks, trimmed and sliced
  • 1 (8-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained

Instructions:

  1. Marinate: In a bowl, combine chicken with five-spice powder. Marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, reserved pineapple juice, tomato puree, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
  3. Cook Chicken: Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Cook chicken in batches over medium-high heat until browned. Transfer to a baking dish.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Spray skillet with more cooking spray. Sauté onion and ginger until softened. Add carrots and peppers;
  5. cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Combine & Bake: Pour sauce into skillet, stirring until thickened. Add diced tomatoes and star anise. Pour sauce over chicken in baking dish. Cover and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
  7. Finish & Serve: Stir in leeks, bamboo shoots, and pineapple. Bake for an additional 30 minutes. Discard star anise. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  1. Spice Variation: Adjust the amount of five-spice powder to your preference.
  2. Vegetable Options: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms.
  3. Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, quinoa, or with a side salad.