Irresistible Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic favorite that delivers the perfect balance of flavors, with tender chicken coated in a tangy yet sweet sauce.
This irresistible baked version of the dish cuts down on frying, giving you a lighter and healthier option without sacrificing the rich texture and flavor.
It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that can be served over rice or paired with vegetables for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein and ensure the dish stays light and satisfying.
Cornstarch plays an essential role by creating a crispy coating on the chicken, helping the sauce stick beautifully.
Eggs act as a binder to ensure the cornstarch adheres properly, giving the chicken a golden and crunchy texture when baked.
Vegetable oil is used for frying the chicken pieces lightly, contributing to a rich and crunchy outer layer before baking.
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
Ketchup brings a rich, tangy base that forms the heart of the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar adds the needed acidity to balance the sweetness of the ketchup and sugar.
Brown sugar provides a deep sweetness that enhances the tang of the vinegar.
Soy sauce delivers an umami-rich depth to the sauce, tying together the flavors.
Garlic and ginger bring a zesty aromatic component that brightens the dish with freshness.
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In another bowl, place the cornstarch.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, ensuring it is coated, then toss it in the cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for that crispy texture.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches.
Frying them until golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Once the chicken is fried, transfer the pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Now, prepare the sauce.
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer and thickens slightly.
Pour the sauce over the fried chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and the chicken to soak up the flavor.
How to Make
To begin, prepare the chicken by cutting it into even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures uniform cooking and a balanced bite of crispy chicken in every piece.
Once the chicken is cut, create a simple dredging station by beating the eggs in one bowl and placing the cornstarch in another.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg and then the cornstarch, making sure every piece is fully coated.
Fry the chicken in batches. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, as this will help achieve that perfect crispy crust.
Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, so take your time and fry the chicken in stages.
Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. This step ensures the chicken stays crispy and not greasy.
Now, focus on the sweet and sour sauce. In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and seasonings.
Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
After the sauce is ready, toss the crispy chicken in the sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, bake the chicken for a few minutes to allow the sauce to absorb into the chicken and caramelize slightly, creating that perfect texture.
Serve your baked sweet and sour chicken hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Variations
You can switch up the chicken by using boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to the dish.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the sweet and sour sauce. This adds an extra layer of heat to the traditional tangy and sweet flavor profile.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can air-fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil. This will still give you a crispy exterior with less oil.
For an extra-crunchy coating, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the cornstarch mixture. This will create a lighter, crispier texture.
Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or pineapple can be added to the dish for more texture and flavor.
Sauté the vegetables separately and mix them with the chicken and sauce before baking.
For a gluten-free version, swap the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative, and use gluten-free cornstarch or flour.
If you prefer a different sauce, you can experiment with orange juice and zest to make an orange chicken variation. This sweet citrus twist can replace the traditional sweet and sour sauce.
Tips
Ensure the chicken pieces are all cut to similar sizes for even cooking. This way, each piece will be crispy and cooked through at the same time.
Don’t overcrowd the frying pan.
Fry the chicken in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy coating.
Pat the fried chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken, but don’t overcook it. The sauce should coat the chicken without being too runny or too thick.
If you’re short on time.
you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the sauce even more flavorful.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas, to create a one-pot meal that’s packed with extra nutrition.
For an even sweeter flavor, increase the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. Just be cautious not to overpower the tanginess of the vinegar.
Conclusion
This baked sweet and sour chicken recipe provides all the beloved flavors of the traditional dish while offering a lighter and healthier alternative.
With crispy chicken and a tangy, sweet sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and simple preparation.