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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – A Classic Takeout Favorite at Home!

Discover how to make this crispy, flavorful baked sweet and sour chicken at home with a tangy sauce. A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for your dinner table!
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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.