Introduction
Do you love the taste of sweet and sour chicken from your favorite restaurant? What if we told you that you can make it at home—easily and more healthily? Yes, that’s right! Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a tasty dish that brings together crispy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tangy sauce.
The best part? It’s baked in the oven instead of fried, which means it’s lighter and less greasy but still full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying something new for dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Sweet and Sour Chicken
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make oven-baked sweet and sour chicken. Most of them are simple and easy to find in your kitchen or nearby grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds (about 700g) of boneless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- Salt and pepper (a pinch of each)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for greasing the pan or spraying on top)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional, but adds great flavor)
Step-by-Step Process – Sweet and Sour Chicken
Follow these easy steps to make this delicious meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking dish or sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch, then into the beaten egg.
- Place the coated chicken pieces onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spray or lightly drizzle oil on top to help them crisp up.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- You want the outside to be slightly golden and the inside to be fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the chicken is baking, let’s make the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add it to the pan.
- Stir until the sauce gets glossy and slightly thick.
- Add the pineapple chunks and stir them in.
Step 4: Combine and Bake Again
- Once the chicken is done baking, pour the sweet and sour sauce all over the chicken pieces.
- Gently toss the chicken to make sure it’s coated evenly.
- Put the dish back in the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes.
- Stir halfway through so every piece soaks up the flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicy and work very well in this recipe. Just trim the fat before cooking.
Q2: Can I make it without sugar?
You can reduce the sugar or try using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener, but it will slightly change the taste.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before eating.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q5: What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?
It tastes great with:
- Steamed rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Stir-fried veggies
- A side salad
Q6: Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or carrots can be added when you mix the chicken with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of those meals that feels special but is easy to make at home. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, and baking it makes it a healthier choice.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or just want a cozy meal for yourself, this dish is a winner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it in different ways.
So, the next time you’re craving takeout, remember—you can make it better at home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
