Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Flavorful Favorite

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightfully flavorful dish that’s coated in a tangy, sweet sauce and baked to perfection. It’s not heavy or overly sweet either. I think it’s a perfect meal for any time of the year, and if you’re not a fan of bell peppers, feel free to omit them.

It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both savory and sweet, you’ve come to the right place. When you make tender chicken pieces and pair them with a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce, you get the perfect dish. The addition of baked goodness just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for some bold flavors, and this flavorful chicken dish reminds me of takeout nights. Not a fan of bell peppers? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious without them.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and coat each piece of chicken, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip the coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on all sides but not cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
   • Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and place them in a single layer in a baking dish.
3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger until well combined.
4. Bake the Chicken:
   • Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken pieces in the baking dish.
   • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this flavorful and delightful dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.

This recipe for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken brings a delicious balance of flavors to your table, perfect for a family meal or a special dinner.