Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and juicy pineapple in a tangy sauce. This healthy take on a classic recipe brings comfort to your dinner table without the need for frying. With its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. First, it’s a healthier option compared to the traditional fried version. Baking the chicken allows you to enjoy all the delicious flavors while using less oil. Second, this dish is quick and simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have a tasty meal ready in under an hour. Finally, it’s a fun recipe to customize! You can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of sweetness to suit your taste.
How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Follow these easy steps to make your own Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Directions:
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir until smooth. In another small cup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry and set aside.
Combine & Bake: Place the seared chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top and drizzle the cornstarch slurry evenly over the mixture. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Serve: Let the dish cool for 2–3 minutes. Serve over steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
How to Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is best served hot, right out of the oven. Pair it with steamed rice or fried rice for a filling meal. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the flavors and add extra nutrients.
How to Store Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it in a skillet until warmed through.
Tips to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and pineapple will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little more honey or brown sugar.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Remember, the chicken will continue to cook while baking, so only sear it until it’s lightly golden.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Variations
You can make this dish with different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a different flavor. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar for the sauce, like white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to create a unique taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before preparing the recipe to ensure even cooking.Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just combine and bake when you’re ready to serve.Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and simple meal that you can enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try, and savor the savory-sweet goodness!
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir until smooth.
- In another small cup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry and set aside.
- Place the seared chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks in a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the top and drizzle the cornstarch slurry evenly over the mixture.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Let the dish cool for 2–3 minutes. Serve over steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
