Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this mouthwatering Sweet Sour Chicken Freezer Meal that promises restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort! Imagine coming home after a long day to a delicious, tangy, and perfectly balanced meal that takes just minutes to prepare. This Chinese-inspired dish combines succulent chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks in a zesty sauce that will have your family begging for seconds. The best part? You can prep this entire meal in advance and freeze it for those crazy busy days when cooking feels like a chore!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and slice the bell peppers into strips. Measure out the pineapple chunks and sweet and sour sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, sliced bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and sweet and sour sauce. Mix well until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- When you're ready to cook the meal, remove the freezer bag from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken and vegetable mixture to the skillet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, a pinch of salt, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is ready, serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of rice. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Sweet Sour Chicken!
Tips
- Chicken Prep: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Freezer Meal Hack: When preparing the freezer bag, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain the meal's quality.
- Thawing Tip: Always thaw the meal in the refrigerator overnight for food safety and best texture.
- Rice Perfection: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains.
- Sauce Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of fresh pineapple juice or a teaspoon of ginger when cooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for added color and crunch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe can be prepared and frozen for up to 3 months, making meal planning a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 414kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 93mg
