Homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe for brain health is one of my favourite meals. It tastes delicious and it’s healthier than takeout. The best part is how quickly it comes together – while the chicken and veggies cook, you can whip up the sauce and you’ll end up with a delightful gluten-free dish that will surely impress your family.
Whenever we eat out, sweet and sour chicken or pork is always a top choice for me. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and recreate this delicious dish right in my own kitchen. It makes me very happy to know exactly what ingredients are going into the meals my loved ones and I eat!
What is your favourite meal to recreate at home?
So gather all the ingredients, turn up the music and let’s have fun while we make this quick and healthy recipe together! (P.S. There is a handy video that shows you how to make this recipe step-by-step right above the recipe card.)
Good To Know
Thanks to its rich protein content, chicken helps the brain make neurotransmitters. It also has essential nutrients like choline, B vitamins, zinc and iron that help maintain memory, focus and concentration.
Bell peppers are packed with antioxidants and vitamins like C, E and B6. They fight off free radicals and boost neurotransmitter production.
Brown rice supplies brain-boosting goodies we need: carbs for energy, fiber for smooth sailing, and a team of vitamins and minerals for maximum brain power.
Substitutions
You can substitute pork for chicken.
You can use cornstarch instead of arrowroot powder if this is what you have at home. I chose arrowroot powder because it comes from a root vegetable (called arrowroot) and it has fiber, protein, minerals and B vitamins.
Make it
Gluten free – Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
Dairy free – This recipe is dairy free.
Vegetarian – Replace chicken with firm tofu.
Extra health points
Elevate the nutritional value and spice of this already delicious and nutritious recipe by serving it alongside brown rice and garnishing with sesame seeds, green onions and chili flakes. Yum!
Storing, freezing and reheating tips
Store
In the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze
Allow the sauce to cool and freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Do the same with the chicken veggie mixture.
Reheat
In the microwave or in a pan on the stove.
Watch how to make it step-by-step!
Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken for Brain Health
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Get ready for a taste sensation that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy! Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a magical sweet and sour sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This quick and healthy recipe is a culinary hug, bringing together the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in every delicious bite. It’s a dish that’ll make you smile and your tummy do a happy dance!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup arrowroot powder (see notes)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 (398 ml) can pineapple slices, cut in bite-size pieces (save the juice for the sauce)
Sweet and sour sauce
- 3 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (see notes)
- pineapple juice from the can of pineapple slices
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp tamari sauce (see notes)
- 3 tbsp water + 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
Serve with brown rice. Garnish with white sesame seeds, green onions, chili flakes.
Instructions
The recipe steps below are presented in an order that allows you to work on chicken, sauce and rice at the same time.
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If you serve this meal with brown rice, start boiling the rice now, as it takes approximately 35 minutes to cook.
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Coat the chicken pieces with arrowroot powder.
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Fry the chicken pieces in coconut oil.
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While the chicken is cooking, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small pan (garlic, coconut sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, tamari sauce) and heat everything up.
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Mix water with arrowroot powder in a small bowl until the powder is dissolved.
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When the chicken is halfway done (10-15 minutes), add the bell peppers.
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When the sauce starts to boil, add the arrowroot powder mixture, turn the heat down, and simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
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When the chicken and bell peppers are cooked (15-20 more minutes), add the pineapple and allow everything to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
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Add the sweet and sour sauce to the cooked chicken, veggies and pineapple.
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Garnish the dish with sesame seeds, green onions and chili flakes.
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Serve the sweet and sour chicken warm, alongside the cooked brown rice.
Enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have arrowroot powder, feel free to substitute it with cornstarch.
You can use your preferred type of solid sugar.
Tamari sauce is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and can usually be found in the Ethnic Foods section or alongside other sauces, marinades, and dressings in the Condiments section.
The sweet and sour sauce can be made in this pretty 1 qt saucepan.
What To Cook Next
If you are tired of the same old breakfast options and you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, you’ll want to try this healthy sweet potato breakfast casserole recipe. Made with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs and bell pepper, this casserole is high in protein, fiber and essential nutrients, making it a great way to start your day.
