Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken brings the iconic flavors of this beloved dish straight to your kitchen without the hassle of frying. With tender chunks of chicken coated in a tangy, vibrant sauce, this recipe is not only healthier but also easy to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then slowly add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat each piece.
- Return the coated chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken over rice or quinoa, topped with steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch.
Final Thoughts:
This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers all the delightful flavors of the classic dish with a healthier spin. Enjoy it with family and friends for a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious!