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
Scale
- 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.
Notes
- 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.