Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. This dish offers a delightful fusion of savory and tangy flavors, combined with the simplicity and convenience of a baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners, this recipe promises to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Crafted with care and attention to detail, this recipe features tender chunks of chicken breasts coated in a crispy cornstarch crust. The chicken is then seared to golden perfection before being baked to juicy tenderness in a delectable sweet and sour sauce.
The sauce, made with a harmonious blend of ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder, adds depth and complexity to the dish, while a hint of sea salt enhances its savory undertones. As the chicken bakes, the flavors meld together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will beckon your family to the dinner table.
Served alongside a fluffy bed of rice, this Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a complete meal that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to please.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the harmony of flavors and the joy of homemade cooking.
How to make Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
4 skinless Chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup of cornstarch
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup ketchup
½ cup sugar
½ tsp sea salt
2 tbsp soy sauce
½ cup apple cider vinegar, do not substitute anything else
1 tsp powdered garlic
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 325*
Line a 9×13 baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper
Step 2:
Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces
In a large ziploc bag pour in the cornstarch and salt and pepper
Step 3:
Add the chicken pieces and shake well to coat
In a bowl, beat the eggs
Step 4:
Heat the oil in a skillet until it sizzles when you shake a drop of water in
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg and then place into the pan.
Step 5:
Sear the chicken on each side and then place into the baking dish.
In a medium sized bowl, add the ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder and then sea salt
Step 6:
Stir to combine very well
Pour this mixture over the chicken and bake for 1 hour, flipping and stirring halfway through
Serve with a side of rice
Enjoy!
Notes:
Ingredients: This recipe calls for simple yet flavorful ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. From skinless chicken breasts to pantry staples like eggs, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and common condiments like ketchup, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Preparation: The chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in a seasoned cornstarch mixture, ensuring a crispy exterior when baked. Beating the eggs provides a sticky base for the cornstarch to adhere to the chicken, resulting in a golden and crunchy coating.
Cooking Method: Searing the chicken pieces in a hot skillet before baking helps to lock in moisture and adds a rich flavor profile to the dish. Baking the chicken in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce ensures that each bite is tender and infused with the tangy and savory flavors of the sauce.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: The homemade sweet and sour sauce is the star of this dish, combining ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder to create a rich and tangy glaze. The addition of sea salt enhances the depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the acidity of the vinegar.
Baking Process: Baking the chicken in the sweet and sour sauce allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist. Flipping and stirring the chicken halfway through the baking time ensures even coating and caramelization of the sauce.
Serving: This Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is best served with a side of rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to mingle with the grains for a complete and satisfying meal. The dish can also be garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information:
SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 120 | TOTAL FAT: 22g
SATURATED FAT: 12g | TRANS FAT: 10gCHOLESTEROL: 180mgSODIUM: 28mgCARBOHYDRATES: 140gSUGAR: 18gPROTEIN: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Is it necessary to use apple cider vinegar, or can I use a different type of vinegar?
It’s recommended to use apple cider vinegar in this recipe for its distinct flavor.
Substituting with a different vinegar may alter the taste of the sweet and sour sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensuring your cornstarch is gluten-free.
This should help make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I reduce the sugar in the sweet and sour sauce for a lower-sugar version?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Reducing the sugar will result in a less sweet sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While the chicken is best when fresh from the oven, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken pieces in advance.
When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps for searing and baking.
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
While this recipe specifically uses chicken, you can use other proteins like pork or tofu if you prefer.
Adjust the cooking times as needed based on the protein you choose.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powdered garlic?
Yes, you can substitute fresh minced garlic for powdered garlic if you prefer.
Typically, 1 clove of garlic is equivalent to about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What can I use as a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar provides the distinct sweet and tangy flavor of sweet and sour sauce.
While it’s recommended not to substitute it, if necessary, you can try white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance and store it for later use?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet and sour sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
Just make sure to reheat it and stir it well before using.
Can I omit or reduce the sugar in the recipe for a lower-sugar version?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to make it less sweet, or you can explore sugar substitutes like honey or a sugar-free sweetener to suit your dietary preferences.