Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken and a tangy sauce. This meal is perfect for families, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. It’s easy to prepare and tastes amazing!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice because it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish. The balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, baking the chicken makes it tender without much fuss. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until well-coated.
- Dip each piece into the beaten eggs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, stirring the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure it is well-coated with the sauce and cooked through.
- Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
How to Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!
How to Store Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Make sure to coat the chicken well with cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Stir the chicken at least every 15 minutes during baking to make sure the sauce evenly coats it.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the dish before baking.
Variation
You can switch up the recipe by using different proteins like pork or tofu. If you want a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking.
-
What can I serve with this dish? Rice is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with noodles or a simple salad.
-
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce the day before and bake it right before serving.
Enjoy making and sharing this tasty Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe with your loved ones!