Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Discover a simple, delicious Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe perfect for quick dinners that bring crispy, tangy, and family-friendly flavors straight to your table. This dish combines tender baked chicken coated in a mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce, offering a healthier twist on a favorite classic without sacrificing taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple steps and accessible ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying reduces oil use while maintaining a crispy texture.
• Family Friendly: The balanced sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Easily adaptable with your choice of veggies or protein variations.
• Prep Ahead Friendly: Components can be made in advance to save time on hectic days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that contribute to every dimension of flavor, texture, and color you want from a great homemade meal.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for juicy, tender meat that bakes evenly.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds a naturally sweet and juicy burst that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
• Bell Peppers: Provides crunch and vibrant color that brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients: A blend of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce delivers that signature tangy-sweet glaze.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken lightly and thicken the sauce for a luscious finish.
• Garlic and Ginger: Infuse the dish with aromatic depth, adding a touch of savory warmth.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps keep the chicken crispy during baking without excess oil.

Variations for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

The beauty of this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is how easy it is to customize to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Play around with these variations to make it uniquely yours.

• Use Different Protein: Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or pork for a different but equally delicious meal.
• Spice It Up: Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch alternatives to keep it gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace brown sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to reduce sugar content.

How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper to lightly coat each piece. This coating ensures a crispy outer layer once baked.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce will bring that familiar tangy and sweet flavor everyone loves with baked sweet and sour chicken.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Pineapple

During the last 10 minutes of baking, add diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the baking sheet to roast alongside the chicken. This will enhance their sweetness and soften them perfectly without losing crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Glaze

Remove the chicken and veggies from the oven and immediately toss them in the prepared sweet and sour sauce, making sure every piece is well coated. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and glaze the chicken beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Dry the Chicken Well: Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to help the cornstarch stick and create crispiness when baked.
• Use a Wire Rack: Baking chicken on a wire rack allows air to circulate and keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give chicken pieces space on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Taste and tweak the sweet and sour sauce according to your preference before glazing.
• Serve Immediately: The glaze is best enjoyed fresh—serve soon after baking for the optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or thin slices of red chili on top to add texture and a pop of color that enhances taste.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb side. A simple stir-fried vegetable medley also pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken in lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld meal or over a bed of crispy noodles for a fun textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, making leftover meals even more satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the chicken crispy rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy. Add a splash of water and cover briefly to warm cold veggies without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are slightly fattier and juicier, which works wonderfully in baked sweet and sour chicken.

Is cornstarch necessary in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps give the chicken a crispy coating and thickens the sauce, but you can substitute with arrowroot powder or omit if preferred, though texture may vary.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your other ingredients such as ketchup do not contain gluten additives.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

Make sure the chicken pieces are spaced out while baking and use a wire rack if possible, allowing heat to circulate and keep them crisp.

What’s a good side dish to pair with this recipe?

Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but fried rice or sautéed greens like bok choy are equally delicious and balance the flavors well.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is everything you want from a weeknight meal—easy, tasty, and perfectly balanced between crispy and saucy. It’s become a favorite in many kitchens because it feels like comfort food without the fuss. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears from your dinner table!

Related Posts

• How to Make Delicious Cowboy Pasta Fast
• Easy Salisbury Steak Recipes to Try Tonight
• How to Make Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Print