Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers all the flavors you love from your favorite takeout dish, but with the added convenience of being baked in the oven. The combination of crispy chicken coated in cornstarch and a homemade sweet and tangy sauce makes for a winning combination that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a game-changer! With its crispy yet tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sweet and tangy sauce, it’s a dish that will make you forget all about takeout. The secret to its irresistible flavor and texture lies in the combination of cornstarch for the breading and a homemade sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

1. Coat the Chicken:

• Place the cornstarch in a large ziplock bag, then add the chicken pieces. Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly.

1. Prepare the Eggs:

• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs together.

1. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling.
• Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then transfer them to the skillet.
• Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides, then transfer them to the prepared baking pan.

1. Make the Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sea salt. Whisk until well combined.

1. Bake:

• Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces in the baking pan, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Bake for 1 hour, tossing the chicken halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.

1. Serve:

• Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken with rice or your favorite side dish.

Tips:

• For extra crispy chicken, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after baking to achieve a golden brown finish.
• Feel free to customize the sauce by adjusting the sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve the sweet and sour chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.