Craving a sweet and sour chicken dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this quick and easy microwave sweet & sour chicken recipe. With just a few simple steps and your microwave, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a tasty dinner in a hurry.
Ingredients
For the Sweet & Sour Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- Sweet & sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper
- Cooking oil (for stir-frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white or rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together ketchup, white or rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and minced ginger (if using).
- Microwave the sauce on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens. Stir well and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat a microwave-safe skillet or dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to get it hot.
- Add a bit of cooking oil to the skillet and microwave it for another 30 seconds to heat the oil.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the microwave (it will be hot), and add the diced chicken pieces.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Microwave the chicken on high for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Adding Vegetables and Pineapple:
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and onion with the cooked chicken.
- Microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is well heated.
- Add the pineapple chunks and stir to combine.
Mixing with Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sweet & sour sauce over the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple.
- Microwave the entire mixture for another 2-3 minutes, or until it’s hot and the sauce has coated everything evenly.
Serving:
- Carefully remove the microwave-safe skillet or dish from the microwave.
- Serve your quick and easy microwave sweet & sour chicken over steamed rice or noodles.
Conclusion:
This microwave sweet & sour chicken recipe is a time-saving solution for those moments when you crave a flavorful meal without the lengthy cooking process. With minimal effort and a microwave, you can enjoy the classic combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in a flash. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade convenience with this delicious microwave-friendly recipe.