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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

When you think about comfort food, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken might not be the first dish that comes to mind, but it certainly deserves a spot on your dinner table. You’ll appreciate how this healthier version retains all the flavor without the excess oil. With tender chicken pieces swimming in a vibrant, tangy sauce, it’s a dish that invites customization with your favorite vegetables. Curious about how to perfect the balance of sweetness and acidity? Let’s explore the nuances of this recipe that can elevate your weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken stands out as a fantastic choice.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s packed with nutritional benefits, being high in protein and lower in fat compared to fried versions. Additionally, it contains vitamin C-rich ingredients like bell pepper and pineapple that boost your immune system.

It’s easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. You can even make it in advance, saving you time on busy nights.

This dish is versatile, allowing you to customize sweetness and add your favorite vegetables, catering to various dietary needs.

Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout, with fewer calories and no preservatives.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken truly delivers flavor without compromising your health.

History

Although Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish today, its origins trace back to traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly during the Manchus Dynasty from 1644 to 1911.

The dish made its way to the United States in the early 20th century, thanks to Chinese migrant gold miners and railroad workers who turned to cooking.

Originally, pork was the traditional protein used, but adaptations for Western tastes led to chicken becoming popular. In fact, chicken is commonly used in U.S. adaptations.

In China, sweet and sour flavors are often used in fish recipes, especially in the Hunan region.

As the dish evolved, it became a global favorite, symbolizing cultural exchange and the resilience of Chinese immigrants who modified it to attract new customers.

Recipe

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dish, baked sweet and sour chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess, making it a favorite for family dinners. This dish has gained popularity over the years, with a 4.78-star rating from numerous reviews, showcasing its appeal.

Baking the chicken allows it to soak up the sauce while keeping it juicy, resulting in a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice.

The preparation is straightforward and requires minimal frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried sweet and sour chicken. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you choose to add pineapple or extra vegetables, this recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Sugar
  • Ketchup
  • Vinegar (apple cider or white)
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Canola or vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Start by coating the chicken pieces with cornstarch, making certain they’re evenly covered. Once coated, dip the chicken into the beaten egg mixture to create a second layer of coating.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
  3. Quickly fry the coated chicken pieces in the heated oil until they turn lightly golden. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once fried, place the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together your sauce ingredients: sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure to coat each piece well.
  5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Halfway through the baking time, turn the chicken pieces to make certain they get an even coating of sauce.
  6. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional 10 minutes after baking. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a crunchier texture.
  7. Once cooked, the sauce will have thickened. Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice, and enjoy your delicious meal!

For the best results, consider letting the chicken marinate in the sauce for an hour before baking to enhance the flavor.

You can also experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the baking dish for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the sauce mixture. Enjoy your cooking!

Final Thoughts

While baked sweet and sour chicken is a simple dish to prepare, it delivers impressive flavors that can elevate any meal.

This recipe’s versatility allows you to serve it with a variety of sides, like egg fried rice or cauliflower fried rice for a healthier option. Many users have noted that this dish has become a crowd-pleaser in their homes, often included in family cookbooks.

You’ll appreciate how easy it’s to make, taking less than thirty minutes from start to finish.

The oven method guarantees a healthier result compared to frying, while the sweet and sour sauce caramelizes beautifully.

You can customize the sauce’s sweetness to fit your taste.

Whether you choose chicken breasts or thighs, this dish is sure to impress your family or guests, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

FAQ

If you have any lingering questions about making baked sweet and sour chicken, you’re not alone. Many wonder how to achieve the perfect texture.

Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch cubes, seasoning them well, and coating with egg and cornstarch. For the sauce, mix sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and thickening agents like cornstarch.

Bake the chicken at 325°F for 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Adding pineapple or bell peppers can enhance flavor.

If you want a crispy finish, broil the dish for 10 minutes after baking. Serve your chicken with rice or noodles and extra sauce for dipping.

Feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your taste! Additionally, this recipe is considered healthier than takeout due to its homemade nature and the ability to control ingredients.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 3 to 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • Sugar
  • Ketchup
  • Vinegar apple cider or white
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Canola or vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions:
  • Start by coating the chicken pieces with cornstarch, making certain they're evenly covered. Once coated, dip the chicken into the beaten egg mixture to create a second layer of coating.
  • Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
  • Quickly fry the coated chicken pieces in the heated oil until they turn lightly golden. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once fried, place the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together your sauce ingredients: sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure to coat each piece well.
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Halfway through the baking time, turn the chicken pieces to make certain they get an even coating of sauce.
  • For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional 10 minutes after baking. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a crunchier texture.
  • Once cooked, the sauce will have thickened. Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice, and enjoy your delicious meal!
  • For the best results, consider letting the chicken marinate in the sauce for an hour before baking to enhance the flavor.
  • You can also experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the baking dish for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the sauce mixture. Enjoy your cooking!

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