Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe features bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch layer, then lightly fried before being baked in a flavorful homemade sweet and sour sauce. The sauce, made with a combination of sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder, thickens beautifully in the oven, coating the chicken with a glossy, sticky texture.
Baking the chicken allows the flavors to develop fully while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The result is a dish with a crispy exterior and a mouthwatering, caramelized glaze. This homemade version is healthier than traditional deep-fried sweet and sour chicken, without compromising on taste.
Serve this delightful meal over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dinner. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this baked sweet and sour chicken will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- Four boneless and skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces.
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken pieces to season them.
- Place the cornstarch in a large Ziploc bag, add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat them evenly.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Dip each cornstarch-coated chicken piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear the coated chicken in the skillet until golden brown, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sea salt until well combined.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour, tossing the chicken halfway through to coat it evenly.
- Once fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from the oven.
- Serve with rice or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy your homemade sweet and sour chicken!
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Alternative Tips for the Recipe:
- Protein Variations: Instead of chicken breasts, try using chicken thighs for a juicier texture. You can also substitute with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
- Healthier Coating: Replace cornstarch with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a lighter, gluten-free alternative. You can also skip frying and directly bake the chicken for a healthier version.
- Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, decrease the sugar and enhance the flavor by adding more soy sauce or a splash of fresh lemon juice for extra tanginess. You can also use honey or maple syrup as natural alternatives for sweeteners.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick. Fresh ginger can also enhance the flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a nutritious alternative. Pair it with steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy experimenting with these alternatives!
conclusion
In conclusion, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a family favorite, offering a homemade alternative to takeout with a healthier twist. By baking the chicken instead of deep-frying, you get a deliciously tender inside with a slightly crispy outside, all coated in a thick, glossy sweet and sour sauce.
This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for adjustments based on dietary preferences. Whether you swap chicken for tofu, add extra spice, or use a different type of vinegar, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste. Paired with rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables, this meal provides a satisfying and well-balanced dinner.
Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is sure to impress. Try it once, and it may become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy your homemade creation!
