Of course! Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a fantastic homemade version of the takeout classic. It’s less greasy, you control the ingredients, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Here is a detailed, recipe-style breakdown for you.
The Ultimate Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
This recipe breaks down into three key parts: the crispy baked chicken, the simple homemade sauce, and the final baking step that brings it all together.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
· 2 lbs (about 1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1 cup cornstarch
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
· Non-stick cooking spray or a bit of oil
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
· ¾ cup granulated sugar
· ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
· ¼ cup ketchup
· 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium is fine)
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon onion powder
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
For Garnish/Serving:
· Cooked white or brown rice
· Sliced green onions
· Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken
· Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it heats up, get two medium bowls ready. In one bowl, place the cornstarch. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
· Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel (this helps the coating stick). Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
· Working in batches, dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the beaten egg, ensuring they are fully coated.
· Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. It’s okay if they are close together.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
· In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
· In a small separate bowl, make a slurry by stirring the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
· Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Bake
· Pour the thickened sweet and sour sauce evenly over the coated chicken in the baking dish. Use a spoon or tongs to gently turn each piece of chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce.
· Bake for 45-55 minutes, pausing every 15-20 minutes to stir and turn the chicken. This ensures every piece gets beautifully glazed and doesn’t dry out. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the sauce is thick, sticky, and bubbling around the edges.
- Serve
· Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
· Serve immediately over fluffy rice, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Chef’s Tips & Variations:
· For Extra Crispy Chicken: For a more deep-fried texture, you can quickly pan-fry the cornstarch-and-egg-coated chicken in a bit of oil for 1-2 minutes per side until golden before adding it to the baking dish and saucing. Then, bake for only 25-30 minutes.
· Add Vegetables: Turn it into a complete meal by adding bell peppers (any color), onions, pineapple chunks, or carrots to the baking dish for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
· Adjust the Sweetness/Tang: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken! If you like it more tangy, add a splash more vinegar. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar or a tablespoon of honey.
· Using Thighs: Chicken thighs will yield a more tender and forgiving result, as they are harder to overcook than breasts.
· Make it Ahead: You can coat the chicken and make the sauce a few hours ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready, combine and bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Enjoy your delicious homemade masterpiece! It’s sure to become a family favorite.