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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!