The Perfect Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Sweet meets tangy in this mouthwatering baked sweet and sour chicken that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from your home kitchen.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle in a glossy, vibrant sauce that balances sugary sweetness with zesty brightness.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

The golden-brown chicken emerges from the oven crisp and tender, coated in a sauce that clings beautifully to every morsel.

Home cooks can easily recreate this classic dish without the greasy mess of deep-frying.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple yet spectacular this dinner can be.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: Tangy Takeout At Home

• Dive into a delightful recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for both newbie and seasoned home cooks.
• Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, creating a personalized dining experience.
• Elevate your dinner routine with a restaurant-quality dish that brings excitement and flavor to the table without complicated techniques.
• Prepare this dish ahead of time and enjoy leftovers, making it an ideal solution for busy households seeking delicious and convenient meals.

Sweet & Sour Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for this baked dish.

• Cornstarch, Eggs: Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior, while eggs help the coating adhere to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tangy flavors.
• Ketchup: Adds a rich, tomato-based foundation to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Contributes a sharp, acidic element to the sweet and sour profile.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Sea Salt: Helps to intensify and balance the overall taste.

• Oil: Used for searing the chicken to create a golden, crispy exterior.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking pan.

Baking Tools For Saucy Chicken

• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken to golden perfection.
• 13×9-inch Baking Pan: Essential for baking the sweet and sour chicken.
• Parchment Paper: Helps line the pan and prevent sticking.
• Large Ziplock Bag: Great for coating chicken with cornstarch.
• Shallow Bowl: Used for beating eggs for dipping chicken.
• Whisk: Helps mix sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Bowl: Combines sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

Making Crispy, Tangy Chicken At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325F.

Grab a 13 x 9-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, creating a perfect cooking surface.

Step 2: Dress the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Pour cornstarch into a large ziplock bag, then tumble in the chicken.

Give it a good shake to create a powdery coating.

Step 3: Whip the Eggs

Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk them until they’re smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Golden Sear

Fire up a skillet with oil over medium-high heat until it’s dancing and sizzling.

Dunk each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then carefully place them in the hot skillet.

Sear until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared pan.

Step 5: Craft the Magical Sauce

• Sugar
• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt

Whisk these ingredients until they become a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the sauce generously over the chicken.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for one hour.

Halfway through, give the chicken a gentle toss to ensure even coating.

Serve alongside fluffy rice for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips For Sticky, Flavorful Chicken

• Shake chicken in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Ensure an even egg coating by fully submerging chicken, which helps the breading stick and adds a rich, silky texture.
• Use medium-high heat when searing to develop a beautiful golden color and seal in the chicken's natural juices before baking.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors evenly, creating a harmonious sweet and tangy profile that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Maintain a low 325F oven temperature to prevent drying out the chicken while allowing the sauce to caramelize gently.

Sweet & Sour Swaps & Veggie Ideas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets, use sugar substitute like erythritol, and coat with almond flour instead of cornstarch for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Chili Chicken Remix: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat, include diced jalapeños before baking, and garnish with chopped green onions for additional flavor complexity.

Serving Sweet And Sour Chicken Hot

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this sweet and sour chicken over fluffy white rice for a hearty main course that fills hungry bellies.
• Colorful Veggie Sidekick: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or stir-fried green beans to add nutrition and vibrant colors to the plate.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an elegant touch that elevates the dish's visual appeal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinner reheat.

Storing Sweet And Sour Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving the dish's flavor and texture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior and helps the egg coating stick better to the chicken, ensuring a golden, crunchy texture when seared.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• Is there a way to make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the sugar amount or substitute with honey for a more balanced sweetness. You can also add a bit more vinegar to cut through the sweetness and create a tangier flavor profile.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade sweet and sour chicken blends crispy breaded chicken with a tangy sauce from Chinese-American cuisine. Delightful flavors combine perfectly, offering you a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup corn starch
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy cleanup.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place cornstarch in a large ziplock bag. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece by shaking the bag vigorously.
3. Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl until well blended and smooth.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Dip each cornstarch-coated chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then carefully place in the hot skillet.
5. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, creating a crispy exterior that will help retain moisture during baking.
6. Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, arranging pieces in a single layer.
7. Combine sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is completely integrated and smooth.
8. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
9. Bake for 1 hour, carefully turning the chicken halfway through to promote even cooking and sauce distribution.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside steamed rice.

Notes

• Swap cornstarch with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a low-carb or gluten-free version of the dish.
• Reduce sugar content by using honey or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners for a healthier twist.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce for extra flavor absorption before baking to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy result that stays moist during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg