Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful take on a popular takeout dish. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a tangy homemade sweet and sour sauce, this dish brings bold flavors to your table. It’s baked to perfection, making it a slightly healthier option without compromising on taste. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for searing)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for added sweetness)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully covered.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pineapple juice (if using).
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and caramelization.
- The sauce should thicken and cling to the chicken by the end of baking.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice or with your favorite noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Tips
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews on top before serving.
- Add chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and onions to the baking dish for a more classic sweet and sour combination.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home. With a tangy, glossy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Skip the takeout and savor the authentic flavors of this homemade classic!
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – A Classic Takeout Favorite at Home!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil for searing
- For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice optional, for added sweetness
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pineapple juice (if using).
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and caramelization.
- The sauce should thicken and cling to the chicken by the end of baking.
- Step 6: Serve
- Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice or with your favorite noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
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