Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun weeknight meal.

Why Make This Recipe
You should consider making Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken because it is a healthier twist on the classic takeout dish. Baking the chicken instead of frying helps reduce the amount of oil and calories, but still keeps all the delicious flavors. Plus, you can easily pair it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a great way to bring some excitement to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn starch
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper. This will make cleaning up easier later. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Pour the corn starch into a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken pieces to the bag and shake it well to coat the chicken evenly with the corn starch.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs together until they are well mixed. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is sizzling hot.
4. Take the coated chicken pieces and dip them into the beaten eggs. Then, add them to the hot skillet. Sear the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to the prepared pan.
5. In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sea salt. Whisk everything together until it is well combined.
6. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the seared chicken in the pan. Make sure all the pieces are well covered.
7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Toss the chicken halfway through so it cooks evenly.
8. Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over rice for a satisfying meal.

How to Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serve your baked sweet and sour chicken with a side of rice for an easy and delicious dinner. You can also add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal. Your family and guests will love the tangy and sweet flavors!

How to Store Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down before putting it in the container. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the sauce.
• If you want a spicier kick, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variation (If Any)
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or pineapples to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients. Just toss them in with the chicken before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work great too! They are a bit more tender and juicy.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

3. What should I serve with this dish?
   Rice is a perfect option, but you can also serve it with noodles or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.