Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken – Prepare yourself for an experience, with this irresistible recipe for Simple Oven Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. This delectable dish brings together the elements of Asian American cuisine combining succulent chicken pieces with a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors. With 15 minutes of preparation time and an hour of baking, you can create a mouthwatering dinner that will satisfy up to 8 individuals.
It all began on a Sunday evening when I decided to experiment with a new chicken recipe. My husband and our little one eagerly awaited in anticipation as our kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of sour goodness. One bite and they were instantly hooked! The harmonious combination of flavors and tender texture won over their hearts making this dish an instant family favorite. Now it’s frequently requested at our dinner table. I’m thrilled to share this delight with you.
What makes this Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken extraordinary?
Indulge in the fusion of flavors offered by our Simple Oven Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. This straightforward yet sensational recipe effortlessly blends the aspects of Asian American cuisines resulting in a mouthwatering symphony where tender chicken pieces are embraced by a delightfully sweet and tangy glaze. Unlike fried versions, our baked approach offers a healthier twist without compromising on taste. In no more than 15 minutes of preparation and an hour of baking you can create a course that will delight your guests and leave them wanting more. This delectable dish will add a touch of sophistication to your dinner table thanks to its blend of flavors. It’s sure to become a family favorite and an impressive choice for any get-together, with friends.
What You Need To Make This Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe?
Chicken: Choose skinless chicken breasts for a more tender outcome. You can also opt for thighs if you prefer darker meat but make sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into pieces.
Cornstarch: The secret, to achieving a crispy coating lies in using cornstarch. Its lightness ensures a texture without making the dish heavy.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Never underestimate the importance of using apple cider vinegar. Its unique tanginess adds a depth of flavor to the sour sauce that cannot be matched. Avoid substituting it with other types of vinegar to maintain the taste.
Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced tang reduce the sugar slightly. Add more for a sweeter profile.
Eggs: Make sure to beat the eggs until they’re perfectly mixed, in order to achieve a smooth and even coating on the chicken. This crucial step ensures that the chicken will have a crispness once it is cooked.
Steps To Make Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Cut the chicken breasts into bite pieces, 1 inch in size.
Step 4: In a ziplock bag combine cornstarch, sea salt and a pinch of pepper.
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Step 5: Place the chicken pieces in the bag. Shake vigorously to evenly coat them with the cornstarch mixture.
Step 6: In a bowl beat the eggs until they are smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. To check if it’s hot enough flick a drop of water into the pan. It should sizzle.
Step 8: Dip each piece of chicken coated with cornstarch into the beaten eggs ensuring coverage. Then carefully place them in the skillet.
Step 9: Cook the chicken on each side until it turns brown and develops a crust. Once cooked transfer the chicken to the baking dish.
Step 10: In a bowl whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar and garlic powder until you get a smooth and enticingly fragrant sauce.
Step 11: Pour this sour sauce over the chicken pieces to fully coat them with its goodness. Roast the chicken in the oven for an hour making sure to turn and mix it gently halfway through to achieve a perfectly cooked dish with a mouthwatering glaze.
Step 12: Enjoy your delicious Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken served on a bed of rice and savor the explosion of flavors.
Tip:
For a rich outcome let the chicken soak in the tangy and sweet sauce for at least half an hour before dusting them with cornstarch and continuing with the recipe. This helps the chicken to absorb all the flavors enhancing every mouthful with a burst of scrumptiousness. Your taste buds will greatly appreciate this momentous process elevating the Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken to an entirely new realm of culinary pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
While it’s worth experimenting apple cider vinegar is crucial for achieving that sour flavor. We recommend sticking with it to achieve the best results.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it later?
Absolutely! This dish reheats wonderfully. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it just reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Can I substitute cornstarch with flour?
Cornstarch is what gives that delightful crispy coating we all love in sour chicken. While you can use flour as a substitute keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly. For that perfect crunch we suggest sticking with cornstarch.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 skinless Chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar do not substitute anything else
- 1 teaspoon powdered garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9x13 baking dish, with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite pieces measuring about 1 inch.
- In a ziplock bag mix together cornstarch, sea salt and a pinch of pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bag. Shake it vigorously so that they are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
- In a bowl beat the eggs until they become smooth in texture.
- Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. To check if it's hot enough you can flick a drop of water into the pan – it should sizzle when ready.
- Dip each piece of chicken coated with cornstarch into the beaten eggs making sure that they are fully coated. Then place them gently onto the skillet.
- Cook each side of the chicken until it turns brown. Once done transfer these seared chicken pieces to the baking dish.
- In a bowl whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar and garlic powder until you get a smooth and fragrant sauce.
- Pour this sour sauce over the chicken pieces to ensure that they are thoroughly coated with it.
- Bake the chicken for 1 hour. Remember to flip and stir halfway through cooking to even guarantee cooking and achieve an appetizing glaze.
- Enjoy the taste of Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken by serving it alongside a bowl of rice!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
Everything is Soo good. Easy to follow directions!!!!
Made this recipe and it is really yummy 😋