Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a healthier, homemade version of the classic takeout favorite. It’s crispy, tangy, and sweet, with tender baked chicken and a vibrant sauce. Here’s how to make it:

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Coat the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another shallow dish.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs.

3. Brown the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Working in batches, brown the chicken pieces on all sides (about 1-2 minutes per side). The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.
• Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish.

4. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.

5. Bake the Chicken:

• Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring the chicken halfway through, until the sauce is thick and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.

6. Serve:

• Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice.
• Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

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Tips:

• For extra crispiness, you can skip browning the chicken and bake it directly in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then add the sauce and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or broccoli to the baking dish for a complete meal.
• Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more sugar or vinegar to taste.

Enjoy this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken—a healthier, homemade alternative to takeout that’s just as delicious!