Easy Chicken and Peppers
Imagine a commingling of orange chicken and chicken teriyaki. Moist chicken and tender sweet peppers, pan-seared and then simmered in a fruity, savory, satiny sauce. A total flavor explosion that makes it to the table in about 20 minutes.
This sauce is made with sweet fruit preserves. But the dish is far from sugary; the preserves perfectly balance salty soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and cilantro.
This ingredient list is incredibly versatile. You can use virtually any fruit preserves you have (except maybe grape jelly). You can also use orange juice with an equally awesome result (just simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency).
I served my sticky chicken over rice so we could enjoy every drop of the sauce. I suggest you do the same! You can also serve the chicken and sauce over Asian noodles OR your favorite grain.
Easy Chicken and Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 bell peppers, any color, or a handful of sweet mini peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, tenders or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 1 cup fruit preserves, such as apricot preserves or orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or liquid aminos
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- Cook rice or Asian noodles for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro for serving, optional
- Chopped green onions for serving, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Add the preserves, chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and dried cilantro and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice or noodles and top with cilantro and green onions, if using.