Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors, making it a favorite among those who enjoy bold and vibrant meals.
This baked version of the classic dish offers a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried method without sacrificing its delightful taste. The golden, crispy coating and sticky sweet-and-sour sauce make every bite unforgettable.
By baking the chicken, you achieve a tender, juicy texture while cutting down on excess oil. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that feels indulgent yet light.
Plus, the addition of fresh ingredients ensures a wholesome meal bursting with authentic flavor.
Not only is baked sweet and sour chicken delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe guides you through every step to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the final result is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cornstarch
Eggs
Olive oil
Pineapple chunks (optional)
Bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
White vinegar
Ketchup
Soy sauce
Sugar
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a golden crust.
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper for added flavor. Toss the chicken in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the eggs, letting any excess drip off. This step creates a crispy coating when baked.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. This creates the sweet-and-sour sauce that gives the dish its signature flavor.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks over the chicken. These ingredients provide a burst of color and complement the tangy sauce beautifully.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. The chicken should be tender, the coating crispy, and the sauce rich and glossy.
How to Make
The first step to making baked sweet and sour chicken is preparing the chicken itself. By cutting it into small, manageable pieces, you ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
Seasoning the chicken adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
The cornstarch and egg coating is the secret to achieving a crispy texture without frying. It’s essential to coat each piece thoroughly, as this creates the perfect base for the sauce to cling to.
Browning the chicken in a skillet helps seal in the juices and adds a slight crunch to the exterior. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture before baking.
The sauce is the heart of the dish. Combining vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic creates a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whisking the ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth consistency.
Pouring the sauce over the chicken and stirring it during baking allows the flavors to meld together. This method ensures every bite is infused with the delicious sweet-and-sour taste.
Adding bell peppers and pineapple chunks introduces freshness and a hint of natural sweetness. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant visual appeal.
Baking the dish at a moderate temperature ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy while the sauce thickens to a sticky, glossy consistency. Regular stirring is key to achieving this result.
The dish is ready when the chicken is cooked through, the coating is crispy, and the sauce clings beautifully to each piece. Letting it rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to settle.
Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Tips
Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results. Trimming excess fat ensures a lean, clean dish.
Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces ensures they cook uniformly and absorb the sauce evenly.
For an extra-crispy coating, lightly pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before tossing it in cornstarch.
Using a non-stick skillet for browning the chicken prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Adding more vinegar makes it tangier, while extra sugar enhances the sweetness.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Stirring the dish during baking is essential to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent it from burning.
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave. The flavors often intensify the next day.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped cashews or almonds over the dish before serving.
Conclusion
Baked sweet and sour chicken is a testament to how a simple, wholesome dish can bring a burst of flavor to your dining table.
Its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a standout recipe.
By baking instead of frying, this dish offers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture.
The golden, crispy coating paired with the vibrant sauce ensures every bite is a delight.
Incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits like bell peppers and pineapple elevates the dish, adding both nutritional value and a pleasing crunch.
The step-by-step process is straightforward, making this recipe accessible even to novice cooks. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is simple yet rewarding.
The versatility of baked sweet and sour chicken allows it to pair beautifully with various sides, from fluffy rice to stir-fried noodles.
It’s a dish that suits any occasion, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Its bold flavors and inviting aroma make it a favorite for all ages.
The tips provided help ensure your dish turns out perfect every time. Small adjustments can make it uniquely yours, tailoring the flavors to your preferences.
Leftovers, if there are any, taste just as good the next day, making this recipe a practical choice for meal prepping or busy weeknights.