Hey there, food lovers! If you’re searching for an irresistibly delicious chicken recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, you’re in for a treat! This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe will become one of your go-to meals in no time. With just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. Ready to learn how to make this mouthwatering meal? Let’s dive in!
Introduction
This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the best of both sweet and savory worlds. Traditionally, sweet and sour dishes have roots in Chinese cuisine, where a combination of sugar or honey and vinegar creates the distinctive sauce. Over the years, this style has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, but the core flavor remains the same: a tangy and sweet harmony that dances on your taste buds.
I first fell in love with this dish at a family gathering when my aunt brought her version of sweet and sour chicken. I was instantly hooked, and ever since then, I’ve been perfecting my own take on this classic. Now, it’s my pleasure to share this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe with you. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it also comes together with minimal prep time and effort—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a homemade comfort dish.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For dietary restrictions or preferences:
- You can substitute the eggs with a plant-based alternative, and use gluten-free cornstarch and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a low-sugar version, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol. Note that this might slightly alter the final taste of the dish, but it will still maintain its sweet and tangy essence.
How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:
- Prep the chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on the outside. You don’t need to cook them through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Bake the chicken: Place the lightly fried chicken in a baking dish and pour the sweet and sour sauce over it. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove it from the oven and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken turns out perfectly:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces: This ensures that they cook evenly.
- Don’t over-fry the chicken: Remember, you’re only frying to get a golden crust; the oven will finish the cooking.
- Stir occasionally: Stirring the chicken during baking helps to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Cooking Tips
For an enhanced flavor experience, consider the following additional tips:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for frying the chicken. It maintains heat better and helps get a more consistent golden crust.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a fruity twist, or include some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing that absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.
- For a healthier option, serve with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed broccoli.
- You can also garnish the dish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions to add a bit of texture and color.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken provides a delicious balance of protein and carbohydrates. It’s also relatively low in fat if you opt for a lighter oil for frying. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 8%
The protein-rich chicken offers a lean source of protein, while the sauce, although sweet, contains natural acidity from the vinegar that helps balance blood sugar levels.
Storage and Leftovers
To maintain the delicious flavors and texture of your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, here are the best ways to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.
If you have extra sauce, it can be used as a dipping sauce for other dishes or even as a glaze for grilled meats!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free cornstarch and gluten-free soy sauce. - Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with tofu, pork, or shrimp if you’re looking for an alternative. - What if I don’t want to fry the chicken?
You can skip the frying step and bake the chicken directly in the sauce. However, the chicken may not be as crispy.
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Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken as much as we do! It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and comforting, all in one bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or just looking for something new to try, this recipe is sure to impress.
We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience with us. And if you made any variations or creative twists, we’d be excited to hear about those too!
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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken | Easy & Delicious Recipe
Description
Hey there, food lovers! If you’re searching for an irresistibly delicious chicken recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, you’re in for a treat! This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe will become one of your go-to meals in no time. With just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. Ready to learn how to make this mouthwatering meal? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For dietary restrictions or preferences:
- You can substitute the eggs with a plant-based alternative, and use gluten-free cornstarch and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a low-sugar version, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol. Note that this might slightly alter the final taste of the dish, but it will still maintain its sweet and tangy essence.
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on the outside. You don’t need to cook them through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Bake the chicken: Place the lightly fried chicken in a baking dish and pour the sweet and sour sauce over it. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove it from the oven and serve hot.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces: This ensures that they cook evenly.
- Don’t over-fry the chicken: Remember, you’re only frying to get a golden crust; the oven will finish the cooking.
- Stir occasionally: Stirring the chicken during baking helps to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
