This healthy sweet and sour chicken recipe has been a staple in my life since I was a little girl. My mom shared her recipe with me and now I cook it for my little girl! And let me tell you, throw a fruit into the meal and any toddler is bound to love it. This sweet and sour chicken is a lighter, healthier version of this popular Chinese food dish but just as yummy.
And honestly it’s shocking how easy and fast this meal is to throw together. You can have dinner on the table in less than twenty minutes, it’s kind of wild! Make this healthy sweet and sour chicken recipe once and you’ll instantly add it to your family’s monthly rotation! It’s a great budget friendly family dinner!
Ingredients Needed for Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Popcorn Chicken: These Just Bare chicken bites are my personal favorite option if you’re going with pre-made! They’re so much better for you than the other brands. But of course, homemade is healthiest. Use my chicken tender recipe if you want to make them at home! Or you can use grilled chicken bites if you prefer for the healthiest option, they just don’t soak up the juices without the breading.
Canned Pineapple Chunks: Be sure to get the kind in juice, not in syrup!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Any vinegar would be fine but I prefer apple cider best.
Ketchup: If you have sugar free, that’s the best option. I like the primal kitchen brand.
Soy Sauce: Or tamari if you need it to be gluten free!
Olive Oil: Or any other neutral oil like avocado oil.
Bell Peppers: Diced into large chunks.
Sweet Onion: Or any other kind of onion, diced into large chunks.
Cooked Rice: Brown rice is your healthiest option of course, but any rice would be yummy!
Baby-Led Weaning for Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
This meal could be served to any baby or toddler eating solids, but for the youngest babies, be sure the pieces are large enough to hold and bite off of. Solid Starts recommends the chicken be served in longer slices. As for common allergens, the only one would be the wheat in the breading of the chicken. So be sure to test that alone first!
Storage for Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Store this healthy sweet and sour chicken in the fridge for up to five days.
Tools Needed to make this Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Air Fryer (recommended)
Saute Pan (this Viking one is incredible; I love it so much!)
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the chicken bites as directed on the packaging. I highly recommend cooking them in the air fryer!
- In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the peppers and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes or until soft.
- Meanwhile, drain the pineapple juice from the canned pineapples into a glass measuring cup. Add the vinegar, ketchup and soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Add the sauce to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Once chicken is ready, add in chicken and pineapples. Heat for about a minute and then serve over rice!
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