Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful twist on the traditional takeout dish, featuring tender, crispy chicken coated in a homemade sweet and tangy sauce. This dish offers a healthier approach by baking the chicken rather than deep-frying it. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe brings the best of Asian-inspired flavors right to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Unlike the classic fried version, this chicken is baked, reducing unnecessary oil and fat.
• Balanced Flavor: The sweet and sour sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness from the sugar and tanginess from the vinegar.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or tang to suit your taste, or even add extra vegetables.
• Kid-Friendly: The flavor profile appeals to all ages, making it an ideal family meal.
• Easy to Prepare: While it looks and tastes like restaurant-quality, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch
• Eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying before baking)
• Granulated sugar
• Ketchup
• White vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten eggs.
3. Lightly Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches for about 2-3 minutes until golden, but not fully cooked through.
4. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Place the partially cooked chicken into a greased baking dish.
5. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
6. Bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to ensure even coating.
7. Serve: Once baked, serve over steamed rice or your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes (includes baking time)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks to create a more authentic sweet and sour chicken experience.
• Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar: Substitute the sugar with honey or a low-calorie sweetener to reduce the sugar content.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover baked sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or microwave on medium heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce before baking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately, and bake when ready to serve.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor to the dish.

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

How can I make it less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce to adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Can I skip frying the chicken?

Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake the chicken directly after coating it in cornstarch and eggs without frying.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, ensure the chicken is lightly fried before baking, and don’t over-saturate it with too much sauce.

Can I add pineapple?

Yes, pineapple chunks are a popular addition to sweet and sour dishes, adding a refreshing sweetness.

Conclusion

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional takeout, offering a perfect balance of flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with easy variations and storage options, it’s a versatile dish you’ll come back to again and again!

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