Sweet and Sour Chicken: Marie Callender’s vs. Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a favorite for its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors combined with crispy chicken and colorful vegetables. Marie Callender's offers a convenient frozen version, but how does it compare to a homemade variant? In this blog post, we’ll explore the taste, texture, nutritional value, and cost of each option. Plus, I'll provide a delicious homemade recipe for you to try.
Marie Callender’s Sweet and Sour Chicken: The Ready-Made Choice
Taste and Texture: Marie Callender’s Sweet and Sour Chicken features breaded chicken breast pieces with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, served alongside a mix of vegetables and white rice. The flavor is generally well-balanced, with a pleasing blend of sweetness and tanginess. The chicken can be crispy, but microwaving can sometimes result in uneven heating, causing some parts to be soggy.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 410
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 820mg
Total Carbohydrates: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 15g
Marie Callender’s option is relatively high in sodium and sugar, making it a less healthy choice for regular consumption. The calorie count is moderate, and the protein content is decent.
Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken: The Fresh Alternative
Homemade Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the Vegetables:
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped
For Serving:
4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them in the beaten eggs.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry the bell peppers, carrot, pineapple chunks, and onion until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve:
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked white rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 480
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 25g
The homemade version is slightly higher in calories and fat but provides more protein and fiber. The sodium content is lower, and the use of fresh ingredients ensures a healthier overall meal.
The Verdict
Taste and Texture: Marie Callender’s Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a convenient and tasty option, but the homemade version excels with its fresh ingredients and customizable flavors. The homemade dish provides a richer, more satisfying texture and flavor profile.
Nutritional Value: While the homemade version is higher in calories and fat, it offers a more balanced nutritional profile with higher protein and lower sodium. The use of fresh ingredients also ensures a healthier overall meal.
Cost: Marie Callender’s offers convenience at a reasonable price, but making a homemade version can be more economical, especially when cooking for multiple people. Plus, you have control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used.
Convenience: Marie Callender’s wins for convenience, requiring just a few minutes in the microwave. The homemade version takes more time and effort but rewards with superior taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.
In conclusion, if you're in a rush, Marie Callender’s Sweet and Sour Chicken is a decent choice. However, if you have some extra time to spare, the homemade variant offers a more flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Try the recipe above and experience the difference for yourself!