Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Introduction

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in tender, juicy chicken pieces. With its irresistibly glossy sauce and golden-baked coating, this recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. Each bite combines crispy chicken with the bold, vibrant flavors of a homemade sweet and sour sauce, making it a dish the whole family will crave.

This recipe has become a staple in my home, especially on nights when I want a little takeout-style indulgence without leaving the house. It all started when I first made it as a weekend experiment, trying to recreate one of my favorite restaurant dishes. The result? A version even better than the original! The chicken stays perfectly moist inside, thanks to a light batter, and the sauce – a perfect mix of pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar – caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it over steamed rice to soak up all the sauce or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal. It’s also ideal for gatherings – easy to prepare in batches and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for bold, comforting flavors.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Meal prep
Takeout-style meals at home
Potlucks and gatherings
Fans of bold, tangy flavors

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken will quickly become a household favorite:

Healthier Alternative: Baking the chicken instead of frying reduces the oil content while keeping the chicken crispy and flavorful.
Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sauce is made from pantry staples, ensuring a fresh and authentic flavor.
Crispy and Tender Chicken: The combination of the light coating and baking process ensures juicy chicken with a perfectly crisp exterior.
Customizable Dish: You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or pineapple to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Family-Friendly: This dish is kid-approved and appeals to picky eaters with its sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large eggs
1 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for greasing the pan)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ginger powder (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work well for lean, tender bites. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy coating for the chicken when baked.
Ketchup: A key ingredient in the sauce that adds tanginess and color.
White Vinegar: Provides the essential tang that balances the sweetness in the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to round out the sweet and sour notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish or sheet with vegetable oil.
Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish, and beat the eggs in another dish. Dip each chicken piece into the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it into the egg mixture.
Arrange on Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the greased baking dish, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Bake the Chicken:

Bake Until Golden: Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. If using cornstarch to thicken, dissolve it in 2 tablespoons of water before adding it to the mixture.
Cook the Sauce: Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.

Combine and Finish:

Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is baked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Bake Again: Return the sauced chicken to the baking dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.

Serve:

Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways:

With Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and broccoli for added nutrition and crunch.
As a Bowl: Create a sweet and sour chicken bowl with rice, vegetables, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
With Fried Rice or Noodles: Elevate it to a full takeout-style experience by pairing with fried rice or lo mein.
For a Party: Serve as an appetizer or finger food with toothpicks for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken turns out perfectly:

Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Ensure the chicken pieces are spaced out during baking for even crispiness.
Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling, double the sauce recipe and set some aside for serving.
Adjust Sweetness: You can reduce the sugar in the sauce if you prefer a less sweet version.
Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: For a more intense flavor, substitute fresh ginger and minced garlic instead of powdered.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical touch.
Vegetable Sweet and Sour Chicken: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, onions, and carrots into the dish.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
Low-Sugar Sauce: Substitute sugar with honey or a sugar-free alternative like stevia.
Air-Fried Chicken: Use an air fryer instead of the oven for even crispier chicken pieces.
Shrimp Sweet and Sour: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
Sweet and Sour Tofu: Use crispy baked or pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
Orange Sweet and Sour Sauce: Replace vinegar with orange juice for a citrusy variation.
Cashew Sweet and Sour Chicken: Sprinkle roasted cashews over the finished dish for added crunch.
Spicy Mango Sweet and Sour: Add pureed mango and chili paste for a fruity, spicy sauce.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Store cooked and sauced chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for optimal results.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools to make preparing your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken easier:

Large Baking Dish or Sheet: Essential for baking the chicken evenly.
Whisk: A whisk helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken and tossing it in the sauce.
Mixing Bowls: Useful for coating the chicken and mixing the sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Combine and bake for the final 10-15 minutes before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is there a way to make the chicken spicier?
Yes, add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
Can I use store-bought sweet and sour sauce?
While homemade sauce provides the best flavor, you can use store-bought sauce for convenience.
Can I skip the cornstarch coating?
The cornstarch helps create a crispy texture, but you can skip it for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a sensational dish that combines the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors with irresistibly crispy, tender chicken. This recipe transforms a classic takeout favorite into a homemade masterpiece that’s not only more wholesome but also incredibly satisfying to prepare.

What sets this dish apart is its harmony of vibrant flavors and textures—the sticky, glossy sauce clings to the golden-baked chicken, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Pair it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even a fresh salad to make a complete, customizable meal that suits any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving comfort food with a twist, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken delivers on all fronts. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of this homemade favorite! Be sure to share your creations and let me know how you’ve made it your own—your culinary adventures inspire me. Enjoy every delicious bite!