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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
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This Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors without the fuss of frying. Juicy chicken pieces are baked to golden perfection and coated in a vibrant homemade sauce, making for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal ideal for busy weeknights. Featuring simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this healthier baked take on a classic favorite is perfect for family dinners with less mess and guilt.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup bread crumbs or panko

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Evenly coat each piece with bread crumbs to create a crispy crust once baked.
  2. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Stir in cornstarch last to create a smooth mixture that will thicken during baking.
  3. Arrange Chicken and Vegetables: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a baking dish along with chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks to build layers of flavor and color.
  4. Pour Sauce and Bake: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Finish and Serve: Gently stir the dish to coat everything in the sticky sauce before serving hot with your favorite sides like jasmine rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Choose fresh bell peppers and pineapple for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking dish to allow chicken pieces to crisp rather than steam.
  • Adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
  • For extra flavor, toss the chicken briefly in the sauce before baking.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked sweet and sour chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten free sweet and sour chicken, family dinner, baked chicken recipe, sweet and sour sauce

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken/