Clean Eating Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Clean eating is all about consuming whole, unprocessed foods to improve overall health and well-being. This clean eating sweet and sour chicken recipe will delight your taste buds while keeping your body nourished. Packed with natural flavors and free from artificial additives, this delicious meal is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (in juice, not syrup)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Brown rice or quinoa, cooked (for serving)
• Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, honey, and soy sauce. Mix well.
2. Stir in the cornstarch until fully dissolved. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
3. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the bell peppers and onion, then cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the skillet and mix well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
3. Add the pineapple chunks and red pepper flakes (if using), then stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Enjoy your clean eating sweet and sour chicken!

Tips for a Healthier Dish

1. Choose organic ingredients whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides and harmful chemicals.
2. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the amount of sodium in the dish.
3. Opt for whole-grain rice or quinoa to increase the fiber content and promote better digestion.
4. Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

This clean eating sweet and sour chicken recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a healthy meal. By using wholesome ingredients and avoiding processed additives, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying dish that supports your clean eating lifestyle. Give it a try and experience the burst of flavors in this nutritious meal.