Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

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An Irresistible Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

There’s something truly special about the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors in a dish. Our Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe captures this essence beautifully, delivering a delightful fusion of crispy chicken and tangy sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Chinese restaurant. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a lover of easy and delicious meals, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the unbeatable taste of restaurant-style sweet and sour chicken and the comfort of homemade cooking. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 13 x 9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet
• Large Ziploc bag
• Shallow bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Place the cornstarch in a large Ziploc bag, add the chicken, and shake to coat the pieces thoroughly.
4. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling.
5. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then add to the skillet. Sear the chicken until golden brown on each side, then transfer to the prepared baking pan.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sea salt. Whisk until well blended.
7. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan, ensuring it covers all the pieces.
8. Bake for 1 hour, tossing the chicken halfway through to ensure even coating and cooking.
9. Serve with your favorite rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust.
• Keep the pineapple juice if using canned pineapple for an extra layer of flavor in the sauce.
• Don’t skip the step of tossing the chicken halfway through baking for even cooking.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to add some chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the baking pan for added texture and flavor. You can also spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This delicious dish is not only satisfying but also provides a good balance of protein and flavors. Nutritional information will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. A side of stir-fried vegetables would also complement it nicely.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content.

Conclusion

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Its combination of flavors is nothing short of magical, and the ease of preparation will have you coming back to this recipe time and again. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your culinary success stories with us!

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