Here’s a flavorful and easy recipe for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken — crispy chunks of chicken baked to perfection and tossed in a tangy, glossy homemade sauce. It’s a takeout favorite made healthier at home!
🍍 Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 45–50 min
🧾 Ingredients:
🐔 For the Chicken:
-
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
¾ cup cornstarch
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
¼ cup vegetable oil (for browning)
🍯 For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:
-
¾ cup sugar
-
½ cup distilled white vinegar (or rice vinegar for a milder taste)
-
¼ cup ketchup
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
Optional: 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes for a kick
-
Optional: ½ cup pineapple chunks or bell peppers for extra texture
🔥 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Prepare chicken:
-
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
-
Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip into beaten egg.
-
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown chicken on all sides (you’re not cooking it through yet). Work in batches to avoid crowding.
3. Transfer browned chicken to the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
4. Make the sauce:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
5. Pour sauce over chicken.
Toss gently to coat. Add pineapple or bell peppers if using.
6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to evenly coat chicken in the thickening sauce.
🍚 Serve with:
-
Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
-
A side of stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls
🔁 Variations:
-
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu
-
Use coconut sugar or honey instead of white sugar
-
Add chopped scallions and sesame seeds on top before serving