Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

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A healthier take on the classic Chinese takeout dish, this baked sweet and sour chicken features crispy, oven-baked chicken coated in a tangy, homemade sweet and sour sauce. Perfectly balanced with a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory taste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks
  • ½ cup onion, diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:

    • Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

  2. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.
    • Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch first, then dip them into the beaten eggs.
    • Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and lightly sear the chicken until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side). Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

  3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
    • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce.

  4. Bake the Chicken:

    • Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken.
    • Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the sauce coats the chicken evenly.

  5. Add Vegetables (Optional):

    • In the last 15 minutes of baking, add chopped bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks for extra flavor and texture.

  6. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    • Serve over steamed white rice, fried rice, or with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
See also  wonton soup

Notes & Tips

  • For Extra Crispiness: Instead of baking, you can air-fry or deep-fry the chicken before tossing it in the sauce.
  • Healthier Option: Reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup or replace it with honey. You can also bake the chicken on a wire rack for better airflow.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets and follow the same steps.
  • Storage & Reheating:
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
    • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
  • Make it Spicier: Add 1 tsp sriracha or ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 4

Per Serving (without rice):

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 600mg

(Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion size and ingredients used.)

Health Benefits of Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

✅ High in Protein – Helps with muscle growth and repair.
✅ Baked Instead of Fried – Lower in unhealthy fats and calories.
✅ Contains Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients – Bell peppers, garlic, and ginger boost immunity.
✅ Balanced Flavors Without Excessive Sodium – Healthier than restaurant versions.
✅ Customizable – Easily adjust sweetness and spice levels to fit dietary preferences.

Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or extra cornstarch.

Q2: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight and then bake it the next day.

See also  attempt at lasagna in Air Fryer

Q3: What can I serve this with?
This pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried veggies.

Q4: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and add extra flavor. Adjust baking time if needed.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but freeze only the baked chicken without the sauce. Add sauce when reheating for the best texture.

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a perfect homemade alternative to takeout, offering all the flavors you love with a healthier twist. Let me know if you try it or have any questions! 😊🍽️

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