Enjoy a healthier version of the beloved sweet and sour chicken with this oven-baked recipe. This dish delivers the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors without the need for deep frying. The chicken is first coated in a crispy layer, then baked to perfection in a rich, homemade sweet and sour sauce. This is an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- Chicken and Coating:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 130g corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 60ml vegetable oil (for browning the chicken)
- Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 120ml apple cider vinegar
- 100g granulated sugar
- 60ml ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a little salt. Place the corn starch in one bowl and the beaten eggs in another. First, coat each piece of chicken in the corn starch, then dip it in the beaten eggs, ensuring an even layer on each piece.
- Brown the Chicken: Warm the vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in small batches, allowing them to brown gently on all sides for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. There’s no need for the chicken to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will complete the cooking process in the oven. Once browned, move the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Chicken: Evenly drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Gently toss the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. The sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken pieces as it bakes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Pair with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a tasty alternative to the traditional fried version. With its flavorful sauce and tender, juicy chicken pieces, it’s sure to become a favorite at the dinner table. It’s easy to make, healthier than takeout, and every bit as delicious. Enjoy this classic dish with the whole family!
Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken – A Healthier Take on a Classic
Enjoy a healthier version of sweet and sour chickenwith this easy, oven-baked recipe. Crispy chicken baked in a tangy, sweet sauce– a perfect meal for any night!
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 130 g corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 60 ml vegetable oil for browning the chicken
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 120 ml apple cider vinegar
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 60 ml ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a little salt. Place the corn starch in one bowl and the beaten eggs in another. First, coat each piece of chicken in the corn starch, then dip it in the beaten eggs, ensuring an even layer on each piece.
- Brown the Chicken: Warm the vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in small batches, allowing them to brown gently on all sides for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. There’s no need for the chicken to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will complete the cooking process in the oven. Once browned, move the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Chicken: Evenly drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Gently toss the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. The sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken pieces as it bakes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Pair with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.