We’ve always loved the irresistible mix of sweet and tangy flavors in sweet and sour chicken, a staple from Chinese cuisine that’s become a family favorite. Our take on the La Choy Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe brings that authentic taste straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.
What sets this dish apart is La Choy’s convenient ingredients that deliver bold flavors without the hassle. Whether you’re a home cook or a flavor enthusiast, we’re excited to share how simple it can be to create this crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the La Choy Sweet And Sour Chicken recipe, we focus on the essential ingredients that bring out its signature sweet and tangy flavors with minimal prep. We’ve curated this list based on the order of use in the cooking process, ensuring you have everything ready for a seamless experience.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and quick browning; this forms the base of our dish.
- 1 can (15 ounces) La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce – The star ingredient that delivers bold, authentic flavors; shake well before using to blend the tangy vinegar and sweet notes.
- 1 medium bell pepper – Preferably red or green, sliced into thin strips; added early for a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- 1 medium onion – Diced into chunks; this provides a subtle crunch and balances the sweetness when sautéed first.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks – Fresh or canned in juice (not syrup); drain if canned to avoid excess sweetness, and incorporate for a tropical twist.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Used for stir-frying; opt for a neutral oil to prevent overpowering the La Choy flavors.
- 2 cups cooked white rice – Prepared separately; serves as the ideal base to soak up the sauce.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For an extra layer of aroma; sprinkle in during the initial cooking stage if you want to enhance the savory undertones.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken with ease and efficiency, we need a selection of essential tools that ensure smooth cooking and optimal results. Building on the ingredients we’ve gathered, these items help us handle the chopping, stirring, and serving steps seamlessly.
Here’s a detailed list of the required tools, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: We use a sturdy cutting board to safely chop the chicken breasts, bell pepper, and onion into uniform pieces. Pair it with a sharp knife for precise cuts that promote even cooking and enhance the dish’s texture.
- Large Skillet or Wok: A non-stick skillet or wok (at least 12 inches in diameter) is crucial for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables. It allows for high-heat cooking that locks in the sweet and tangy flavors of the La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy, we rely on standard measuring cups and spoons to portion out ingredients like vegetable oil and pineapple chunks, ensuring the balance of sweet and sour elements is just right.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl comes in handy for tossing the chicken with any optional seasonings, like garlic powder, before cooking.
- Spatula or Tongs: We recommend a heat-resistant spatula or tongs for flipping and stirring ingredients in the hot pan, preventing sticking and maintaining the vibrant colors and crispiness of the vegetables.
- Cooking Utensils Set: Include basics like a ladle for sauce and a serving spoon for plating over cooked white rice, making the final assembly straightforward and mess-free.
| Tool Category | Quantity Needed | Primary Use in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Tools | 1 (board) + 1 (knife) | Chopping ingredients for prep |
| Cooking Vessels | 1 (skillet or wok) | Stir-frying to achieve even heat |
| Measuring Tools | 1 set (cups and spoons) | Ensuring precise measurements |
| Stirring/Serving Tools | 1-2 (spatula or tongs) | Handling and serving the final dish |
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools lined up, we’ll walk you through the steps to create our flavorful La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken. This process ensures a quick, satisfying meal with its vibrant sweet and tangy notes that will delight your taste buds.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we gather and prepare the key components for efficiency. Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces on a sturdy cutting board using a sharp knife—this ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Next, slice 1 medium bell pepper and 1 medium onion into thin strips to release their fresh, crisp crunch and add colorful appeal to the dish. Drain a can of pineapple chunks and set them aside, reserving the juice if you want to enhance the sauce’s tanginess later. If using, sprinkle optional garlic powder over the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and toss gently for an extra layer of savory aroma. This prep sets the stage for a seamless stir-fry, maximizing flavors with minimal effort.
Cook the Chicken
We begin cooking by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers and releases a inviting sizzle. Add the prepared chicken pieces to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, using a spatula or tongs to turn them until they turn golden brown and cook through—this locks in juicy tenderness and builds a rich, savory base. Keep the heat steady to avoid burning, and listen for that satisfying crackle as the chicken sears, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the dish’s bold Chinese-inspired flavors.
Prepare the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, we shift focus to the sauce that defines this recipe. Pour in 1 bottle of La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce along with the reserved pineapple juice if available, stirring vigorously to coat the chicken evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and its sweet and tangy essence to meld with the chicken—this creates a glossy, vibrant glaze that balances fruity brightness from the pineapple chunks with a subtle zing. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks, then cook for another 2 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but retain their crisp bite, enhancing the dish’s colorful texture and fresh appeal.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, we assemble everything by removing the skillet from heat and giving the mixture a final toss to ensure all elements are well-coated in the glossy sauce. Spoon the sweet and sour chicken over cooked white rice on serving plates, arranging the vibrant vegetables and pineapple for visual appeal that makes the dish as enticing to the eye as it is to the palate. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, tangy flavors at their peak, delivering a convenient yet restaurant-quality meal that highlights La Choy’s bold taste.
Make-Ahead Tips
To make preparing our La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken even more convenient, we often suggest planning ahead for busy weeknights. This allows you to enjoy the bold flavors of this family favorite without last-minute rushes. Below, we break down practical steps for prepping and storing components of the recipe, ensuring the dish retains its sweet and tangy appeal.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
We recommend preparing certain elements up to 24 hours ahead to streamline your cooking process. Start by chopping the vegetables and marinating the chicken, as these steps enhance flavors while saving time.
- Chicken Preparation: Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For added zest, toss the chicken with a tablespoon of La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce before sealing – this infuses the meat with tangy notes and keeps it moist.
- Vegetable Chopping: Slice 1 medium bell pepper and 1 medium onion, then place them in a separate sealed container. This prevents sogginess and maintains their crisp texture for stir-frying.
- Pineapple Readiness: Drain a can of pineapple chunks and store them in the fridge. If you’re using the juice for the sauce, measure out ¼ cup in advance and keep it chilled to avoid waste.
Cooking and Storing the Dish
If you want to cook the entire La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe ahead of time, we advise focusing on these steps to preserve quality.
- Partial Cooking: Stir-fry the chicken until it’s golden brown, then add the La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce, vegetables, and pineapple. Cook until everything is heated through but not overdone – aim for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat to lock in flavors.
- Cooling and Storage: Let the cooked mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheating Instructions: When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of pineapple juice if needed to refresh the glaze and ensure the dish stays vibrant and tangy.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we help you maximize the convenience of La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken while keeping its signature sweet and sour profile intact for effortless meals.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken with you, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful family hit.
It’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into our busy lives, offering bold tastes without the fuss.
Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens—grab those key components and whip up something delicious tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken?
La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken is a popular Chinese-inspired dish known for its sweet and tangy flavors. It features tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, all coated in La Choy’s signature sweet and sour sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for family meals, offering bold taste with minimal effort, and can be served over rice for a complete dish.
What ingredients are needed for La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken?
The key ingredients include 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce, a medium bell pepper, a medium onion, pineapple chunks, vegetable oil, and cooked white rice. Optional garlic powder adds extra savoriness. These items create the dish’s signature sweet and tangy profile with simple preparation.
What tools are required to make this recipe?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board and sharp knife for chopping, a large skillet or wok for stir-frying, measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions, a mixing bowl for seasonings, and a spatula or tongs for handling ingredients. These basics ensure a smooth cooking process for optimal results.
How do I prepare La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients: cut chicken, bell pepper, onion, and drain pineapple. Stir-fry chicken in vegetable oil until golden, add La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce and optional juice for a glaze, then mix in vegetables and pineapple. Cook until tender, and serve over rice. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes for a flavorful meal.
Can I make La Choy Sweet and Sour Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, chop vegetables and marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance to save time. Partially cook, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep flavors vibrant, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Are there tips for enhancing the flavor of this dish?
For extra zest, add garlic powder or fresh garlic during stir-frying. Use fresh pineapple for more tang, and adjust sauce to taste. Pair with steamed rice or veggies for balance. Always stir-fry on high heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy, elevating the overall sweet and sour experience.