Craving something savory, tangy, and utterly delicious for dinner? Look no further than Sweet and Sour Chicken Casserole. It's a family favorite that's perfect for gatherings, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to create this mouth-watering dish. If you can't find a specific item, don't worry! We've got some great substitution options for you.
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (substitute with thighs if preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (substitute with apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh, but canned works too)
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mix with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Optional: 1/2 cup snap peas or broccoli florets for extra veggies
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (substitute with brown rice or quinoa)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare and assemble your Sweet and Sour Chicken Casserole.
Step 1: Marinade the Chicken
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks (and optional veggies) to the skillet.
- Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the cooked rice evenly along the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Layer the cooked vegetables over the rice.
- Add the cooked chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the entire casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crispy.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Seasoning: Adjust the sweetness and sourness by tweaking the amount of brown sugar and vinegar in the sauce.
- Baking Time: Ensure the casserole is heated through and the top is slightly crispy for the best texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or an Asian-inspired salad.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delectable Sweet and Sour Chicken Casserole perfect for family dinners and gatherings. We hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as we do!
We'd love to hear about your cooking experience and any variations you might try. Share your creations and tips in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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By following these steps, you can create a delicious Sweet and Sour chicken casserole that's sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy!
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