Description of this recipe

This baked sweet and sour chicken recipe delivers a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Unlike traditional deep-fried versions, this recipe offers a healthier alternative by baking the chicken to perfection, ensuring a tender and juicy result every time. The homemade sweet and sour sauce, made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce, coats the chicken in a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, as it requires minimal effort and yields a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this baked sweet and sour chicken recipe for its simplicity, healthiness, and incredible flavor. The convenience of baking the chicken instead of frying it not only saves you time but also reduces the fat content, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The sweet and sour sauce is balanced perfectly, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. The chicken remains incredibly tender and moist throughout the baking process, ensuring a delightful eating experience. This recipe is also highly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, to create a more complete and vibrant meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its foolproof instructions and delectable outcome.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. If using chicken breasts instead of tenderloins, cut them into 1-inch chunks. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it browns nicely in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step is crucial for adding flavor and texture to the chicken. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Mix the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water to create a slurry. This slurry will help thicken the sauce as it bakes.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. This usually takes just a minute or two. Ensure there are no lumps in the sauce for a smooth and glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken pieces evenly in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and caramelized. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the baked sweet and sour chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.

COOKING Rating:

Easy

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this baked sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. It pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a more elaborate meal, consider adding pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions to the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before browning.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
• To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of the baking time.
• You can also prepare this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values per serving)

Calories: 400

Protein: 35g

Sodium: 500mg

Conclusion

This baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish without the added guilt of frying. The combination of tender chicken and tangy-sweet sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the simple preparation steps ensure that anyone can make it successfully. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver a delicious and satisfying experience. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and garnishes to customize it to your liking. The key is to balance the flavors and enjoy the process of creating something truly special.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?

A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins. Just make sure to cut the breasts into 1-inch chunks for even cooking. Also, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting them can help ensure they cook uniformly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the chicken and sauce in the baking dish and follow the baking instructions.

Q3: How can I make the sauce thicker?

A: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch to the slurry. Start with an additional teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water, and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering on the stovetop. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes, adding vegetables can make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful. Bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks, and broccoli are all great additions. Add them to the baking dish during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender but still slightly crisp.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, you need to ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free (tamari is a good alternative). Also, double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten. With these substitutions, the recipe is perfectly suitable for a gluten-free diet.

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