BAKED SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is way better than takeout! It’s crispy outside, juicy inside, and bursting with flavor. It’s our favorite recipe on the blog for good reason!

This dish is a game-changer, way tastier than any takeout you’ve had before. Get ready for a fantastic mix of textures and flavors that will wow you.

When you dig in, you’ll notice the crispy crunch on the outside, followed by tender, juicy chicken. It’s a perfect balance of crispy and tender. But it gets even better. The sweet and sour flavors work together in perfect harmony, making each bite a delightful experience you’ll want to repeat.

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a star on our blog for a reason. It’s got it all – crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. So, why settle for average takeout when you can enjoy this amazing dish? Treat yourself to something extraordinary and savor the deliciousness. This recipe deserves a special spot in your cooking lineup.

Culinary Appeal of Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

The culinary appeal of this dish lies in its ability to recreate the classic flavors of sweet and sour chicken with a homemade touch. The crispy coating on the chicken, combined with the luscious sweet and tangy sauce, creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Reasons to Enjoy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Homemade Goodness: Making sweet and sour chicken at home allows you to savor the freshness of homemade flavors, and you can adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Crispy Perfection: The method of coating the chicken in cornstarch and egg results in a perfect, crispy breading that complements the tender chicken.

Customization: One of the joys of homemade sweet and sour chicken is the ability to customize it to your preferences, whether that means adjusting the sauce’s sweetness or adding extra veggies.

Ingredients to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Protein source
• Salt and pepper – Seasoning
• Cornstarch – Used for coating
• Eggs – Binding agent
• Granulated sugar – Sweetening agent
• Ketchup – Adds a tangy and sweet flavor
• White vinegar – Adds acidity
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds a different vinegar flavor
• Low sodium soy sauce – Adds savory umami flavor
• Garlic salt – Enhances flavor with garlic and salt
• Canola oil – Used for frying and cooking

How to Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Serving this delightful dish is straightforward. Follow these steps for a satisfying dining experience:

1. Plating the Chicken: Arrange the baked sweet and sour chicken on individual plates, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the chicken for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
3. Side Dish: Serve the chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

What to Serve with Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Enhance your meal with these complementary pairings:

• Vegetable Medley: A side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, offers a colorful and nutritious addition.
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple chunks add a sweet and tropical touch to your plate, complementing the sweet and sour flavors.
• Egg Fried Rice: Enjoy the chicken with a side of egg fried rice for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.

How to Store Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Should you have any leftovers, here’s how to store Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

1. Refrigeration: Place any remaining chicken and sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
2. Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave, and drizzle additional sauce as needed to maintain its deliciousness.

Tips for Success and Creative Variations:

Here are some simple tips to make your sweet and sour chicken taste great when you cook it at home. You can also change things a bit to suit your taste.

1. Coating the Chicken: Start by coating your chicken with cornstarch and then dip it in egg. This will give the chicken a nice crispy outer layer.
2. Quick Frying: Don’t cook the chicken completely when frying it. Just get it lightly brown on the outside, and it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Vinegar Choices: You can use all apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor, but avoid using only white vinegar because it has a different taste. For a milder flavor, you can use rice vinegar.
4. Extra Sauce: If you like your dish with lots of sauce, make a double batch of the sauce. Use half on the chicken and simmer the other half on the stove for 8-10 minutes until it thickens.
5. Add Veggies: Feel free to include vegetables or pineapple chunks in the dish before baking. You can even add a bit of pineapple juice to the sauce. Vegetables like red bell peppers, bamboo shoots, onions, broccoli, or snow peas work well.

Ready to dive into this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken masterpiece? The full list of ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions await you on the next page. And, if you love it as much as we do, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook – they’ll thank you later!