Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. With tender chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious sauce, this dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, the bold flavors and beautiful colors will impress everyone at the table.
What You’ll Need for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (150 g) pineapple chunks
- 1 1/2 cups (225 g) assorted bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce base)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare it for the chicken.
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
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Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a lovely crispy texture once baked.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the soy sauce and rice vinegar until well combined.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, roll them in the cornstarch mixture until they are well covered.
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Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
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Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple chunks, chopped bell peppers, diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Sauté the Chicken: In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil. Add the baked chicken and sauté for a few minutes, allowing it to soak up some flavors.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken in the pan. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
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Serve and Garnish: Serve your delicious Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of rice. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra touch!
The Best Way to Serve It
When it comes to serving Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, there are several delightful ways to enjoy this dish. A bed of fluffy white rice or fluffy fried rice makes a perfect pairing, balancing the flavors beautifully. You may also consider serving it with steamed broccoli or a fresh side salad for a veggie boost.
For a touch of authenticity, try serving it in bowls, allowing everyone to customize their portion. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken for those who enjoy a bit more sweetness!
Helpful Tricks for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
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Make It Crispy: For an extra crispy coating, you can double dip the chicken pieces in the egg and cornstarch. Just repeat the process for an added crunch.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like snap peas or carrots to enhance nutrition and flavor.
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Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding a dash of chili sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors and add a spicy kick.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a substitute for thighs if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may cook faster.
What should I serve with Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. You can also enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before drizzling it over the chicken.
Whether you’re trying out Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken for the first time or adding it to your repertoire, this exciting dish is guaranteed to please. We hope you enjoy making and sharing it with family and friends! Happy cooking!
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in soy sauce and rice vinegar.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then roll them in the cornstarch mixture.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté the baked chicken for a few minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.