Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Introduction

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the classic deep-fried version. This dish features crispy, tender pieces of chicken coated in a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce that is both comforting and full of flavor. The chicken is baked until golden brown, then tossed in a homemade sweet and sour sauce made with a balance of sugar, vinegar, and a touch of ketchup for that iconic flavor profile. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken brings all the satisfying crunch and bold flavors without the extra calories and mess of frying.

I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner. The aroma of the chicken baking in the oven and the vibrant sauce coating the pieces made everyone eager to dig in. What’s great about Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is how versatile it is—you can adjust the sweetness and tang to your preference, making it as zesty or as sweet as you like. Whether paired with rice, vegetables, or a simple side salad, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.

The best part? This dish is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a baking sheet, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a guaranteed hit!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family meals
  • Meal prep
  • Chinese-inspired cuisine cravings
  • Entertaining guests

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken will become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Crispy Chicken without the Frying: Baking the chicken gives it a satisfying crunch without the need for frying, making it a lighter version.
  • Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The homemade sweet and sour sauce is bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, coating the chicken beautifully.
  • Simple Ingredients: You can make this dish with pantry staples like chicken, vinegar, sugar, and ketchup.
  • Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking, this recipe is easy to whip up for a quick dinner.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the sauce sweetness or add more spices to match your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, gather these ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Red pepper flakes (for extra spice)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter, providing texture and soaking up the sweet and sour sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps achieve a crispy texture on the chicken without frying.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the tangy base for the sweet and sour sauce, balanced with sugar and ketchup.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
  • Ginger and Garlic: Optional but enhance the flavor profile with a bit of warmth and aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
  4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and grated ginger (if using). Stir well to combine.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar if desired. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Toss the Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is fully baked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
  • With Vegetables: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a well-rounded dish.
  • With Noodles: Serve over noodles for a satisfying twist on the traditional dish.
  • On its Own: It also works great as a quick snack or appetizer.

Additional Tips

  • For Extra Crispiness: Use a wire rack to bake the chicken, allowing the heat to circulate around the pieces for even crispness.
  • Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Recipe Variations

  1. Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
  2. Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add chili paste or crushed red pepper for heat.
  3. Orange Sweet and Sour Chicken: Substitute orange juice for some of the vinegar for a citrusy alternative.
  4. Honey Garlic Sweet and Sour Chicken: Swap sugar for honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
  5. Vegetarian Sweet and Sour “Chicken”: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken for a vegetarian version.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Small saucepan for sauce
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Large bowl for tossing

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs will provide a juicier, more flavorful result.
  2. Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  3. Can I use a different oil for baking? Olive oil is ideal, but you can also use avocado or canola oil.
  4. Can I bake the chicken without cornstarch? The cornstarch helps the chicken stay crispier, but you can omit it if needed.
  5. Can I use store-bought sweet and sour sauce? Yes, but homemade sauce gives the dish a fresher, more personalized taste.

Conclusion

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ideal dish for anyone craving a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and a tangy-sweet sauce. This healthier, oven-baked version of the classic favorite offers all the flavor with minimal effort and simple ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

With its satisfying crunch and vibrant sauce, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s a meal everyone will love, and it’s easy enough to make anytime!

I’d love to see how your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

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