Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 457 reviews

This oven-baked sweet and sour chicken features tender, golden-browned pieces of chicken baked in a deliciously tangy and sticky sweet and sour sauce. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, this family-friendly favorite is incredibly flavorful, pairs perfectly with rice, and offers a lighter take on classic takeout-style chicken.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Season and Coat Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs until well coated.
  3. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, browning them on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the browned chicken into the greased baking dish, spreading the pieces into an even layer.
  5. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, distilled white vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  6. Add Sauce and Bake: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated in the sauce.
  7. Bake and Stir: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 1 hour. Stir the chicken every 15 minutes to help the sauce thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
  8. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve your oven-baked sweet and sour chicken hot over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For more color and flavor, add diced bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or onion wedges before baking.
  • You can use chicken thighs for juicier meat if desired.
  • This dish reheats well—store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust the sugar or vinegar to taste if you prefer the sauce more sweet or tangy.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 530
  • Sugar: 50g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 185mg

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/oven-baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-recipe/