Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Introduction:
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious take on a classic Chinese-American dish, offering a healthier alternative by baking instead of frying. The chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter and then baked to perfection before being tossed in a homemade sweet and sour sauce. This dish combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout, but with the added comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, shaking off any excess, and then dip in the beaten eggs.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides, but not cooked through. Place the seared chicken pieces in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Toss the chicken to coat well.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure even coating with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice with a side of vegetables.
Outro:
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the flavors of a takeout favorite into your home kitchen. With crispy chicken pieces and a perfectly balanced sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal. Pair it with rice and your favorite veggies for a complete, satisfying dinner!