Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sweet and sour sauce and whisk until well combined.
4. Thread chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple onto wooden skewers.
5. Brush the skewers with the sweet and sour sauce.
6. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
7. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8. Serve hot with any remaining sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan at medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 1200mg
Sugar: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any other vegetables of your choice.
- Pineapple chunks can be substituted with canned mandarin oranges or fresh mango.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce for a spicy kick.
- Marinate the chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for a few hours before grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve the skewers over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Brush the skewers with oil before grilling to prevent sticking.
- Reserve some of the sweet and sour sauce for dipping or drizzling over the skewers before serving.
Storage instructions:
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the skewers in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the skewers on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro or green onions
Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Asian-style slaw
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sweet and sour sauce is too thick, add more water or vinegar to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, continue grilling until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, often used in dishes such as sweet and sour pork or sweet and sour chicken.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, tangy, savory
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with any remaining sweet and sour sauce on the side.
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Region: South African