Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet sauce that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Originating from Chinese cuisine, sweet and sour chicken has become a beloved staple in many households around the world, often enjoyed for its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste. I love how the crispy coating of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the luscious sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but its also convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Join me as we explore the steps to create this scrumptious Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken that will leave your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken gets that perfect crispy texture.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Set up a breading station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that crispy finish.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Baking the Chicken
- Drizzle the breaded chicken with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. This will help the chicken crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can flip the pieces halfway through for even cooking.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce.
Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
- While the chicken is baking and the sauce is thickening, prepare your vegetables. Chop the bell pepper, onion, and slice the carrots. If youre using fresh broccoli, cut it into florets.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the sliced carrots and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. You want them to retain some crunch for texture.
Assembling the Dish
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it stay crispy when combined with the sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free
Conclusion:
In summary, this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to bring a burst of flavor to their dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and that irresistible sweet and tangy sauce creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Plus, the fact that its baked rather than fried means you can enjoy all the flavors without the guilt! For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this dish with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or steamed broccoli to balance out the sweetness. If youre feeling adventurous, you can also try adding pineapple chunks for an extra tropical twist or swapping out the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly. The possibilities are endless! I truly encourage you to give this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken a try. I promise it will become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Lets spread the joy of cooking together! Print
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken features crispy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy sauce, making it an easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table!
Ingredients
- chicken
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onions
- whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional)
- vegetables (customizable)
- steamed rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or bake the chicken without breading.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
