Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a healthier twist on the classic takeout dish, featuring crispy baked chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. With juicy chunks of chicken breast coated in a light batter, then baked until golden and finished in a flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for dinner when you want something delicious and satisfying. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, then dip it in the beaten eggs.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying them until lightly browned on all sides. You do not need to cook the chicken through at this stage, just brown it for a crispy coating. Transfer the browned chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, pineapple juice (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. The sauce will thicken and caramelize as it bakes.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and sticky, remove from the oven. Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Don’t Skip the Frying Step: Lightly frying the chicken before baking gives it a crispy coating that helps absorb the sauce and adds great texture to the final dish.
- Stir Regularly: Stirring the chicken every 15-20 minutes while baking ensures that every piece is coated in the sauce and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: The balance of sweet and sour can be adjusted to your taste. Add more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess as needed.
Recipe Variations
- Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks to the chicken before baking for a burst of sweetness that complements the sauce.
- Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers and onions to the baking dish for extra flavor and color. These vegetables are a great addition and pair well with the sweet and sour sauce.
- Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version of this dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They are slightly juicier and add more flavor to the dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and brown the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious homemade alternative to takeout that’s full of flavor, with tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce. The crispy coating and caramelized sauce make this dish incredibly satisfying and perfect for any occasion. Serve it with rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe for your next family dinner, and enjoy the taste of classic sweet and sour chicken from the comfort of your home!
