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In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal can often feel like a daunting task. For busy individuals and families, quick meals that don’t compromise on flavor or quality are essential. Enter the Zesty 30-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Bowls—a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine in a fraction of the time. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings for something savory and sweet but also ensures you can whip up a wholesome meal with minimal effort.

30-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Bowls

Discover the joy of cooking with these Zesty 30-Minute Sweet and Sour Chicken Bowls! Perfect for busy nights, this dish combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, juicy pineapple, and crunchy broccoli in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. With just a few ingredients and under half an hour of prep time, you can whip up a meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Perfect for families or anyone on the go, it’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Dive into this quick culinary delight and savor every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, and green for color)

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

1 cup broccoli florets

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Cooked jasmine or brown rice, for serving

Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Stir-fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they cook through and attain a nice golden brown exterior. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these vegetables for approximately 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, retaining some crunch. Then, add the minced ginger and garlic; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the vegetables are aromatic.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until combined. Pour this savory mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

        Combine Chicken and Pineapple: Return the previously cooked chicken to the skillet, adding in the pineapple chunks. Carefully stir everything together to ensure even coating in the sauce.

          Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet, stirring continuously. You’ll notice the sauce beginning to thicken within a couple of minutes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to become glossy and adequately coat the chicken and veggies.

            Serve It Up: Divide the cooked jasmine or brown rice among bowls. Generously top with the sweet and sour chicken mixture. Refer to your garnishes: sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and texture.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4

                Enjoy your culinary creation! The vibrant colors and flavors of this dish will surely impress.