Description
This Sweet and Sour Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and carrots layered over a bed of fluffy white rice. Baked in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (seeds removed)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (seeds removed)
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
Base
- 4 cups cooked white rice (cold, cooked rice works best)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 ½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Layer the thinly sliced chicken breasts on top of the rice. Then, evenly distribute the diced red and green bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and sliced carrots over the chicken.
- Make Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ketchup, distilled white vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, and garlic salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour half of the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the layered chicken and vegetables. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables have softened.
- Rest the Casserole: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and take off the foil—it will be hot. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly.
- Serve: Stir the casserole gently to mix the chicken, rice, and vegetables together. Serve each portion with the remaining sweet and sour sauce and garnish with sliced green onion. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting meal!
Notes
- Using cold, cooked rice helps prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the sugar and vinegar to taste.
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier alternative, though cooking time may slightly vary.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition and crunch.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
