Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that offers a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite. This recipe features tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy layer and smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce. It's perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and sour flavors and want to enjoy a homemade version of this popular dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. sea salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, beat the 2 large eggs. In another bowl, place 1 cup of cornstarch. Dip each piece of the cut chicken breasts first into the egg and then coat it with the cornstarch. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken completely as it will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, place the chicken pieces in a baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a bowl, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of ketchup, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. of soy sauce, 1 tsp. of garlic powder, and ½ tsp. of sea salt. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure all the pieces are coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, turn the chicken pieces over so they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Note:
- Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the skillet while browning. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Consistency of the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp. water) to the sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Variations: Add pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or onions to the baking dish for extra flavor and texture.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving (varies based on the size of the servings and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 25-30g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the soy sauce used
Conclusion
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful, homemade alternative to takeout that's both flavorful and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or when you crave a sweet and tangy meal. Enjoy the tender chicken with its crispy coating and deliciously sticky sauce for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
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