Are you ready to make a dish that’s a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and crispy? My Baked sweet and Sour Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your friends! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that’ll make everyone come back for seconds—who doesn’t love that? Let’s get started!

Cook Time: 30

Prep Time: 20

Yields: 4

Calories: 2469

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

To create my baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, you’ll need a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to make a flavorful meal. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, divided (for coating the chicken and veggies)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 4 pieces (approximately 6 ounces each), cut into bite-sized cubes
Kosher Salt: 1 3/4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Freshly Ground black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (adds a nice kick)
Large Eggs: 2 (these will help the flour stick to the chicken)
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (for dredging the chicken)
Multicolored Bell Peppers: 2 large (sliced into strips for color and sweetness)
Ketchup: 1/2 cup (the base of our sweet and tangy sauce)
Pineapple Juice: 1/4 cup (adds a touch of tropical sweetness)
Honey: 1/4 cup (for extra sweetness)
Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (for that savory umami flavor)
rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (a touch of acidity to balance the flavors)
Cooked White Rice: 3 cups (for serving)

These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and they come together harmoniously, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. while prepping, make sure to chop and organise your ingredients; having everything ready to go will make the cooking process even smoother!

Step-by-step Instructions for Making Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. It’s a fun process, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it!

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 475°F (245°C).This high temperature is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture on the chicken.

Prepare the Baking Sheets: Grab two baking sheets and grease them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil along one short edge of each. This will prevent sticking and help the chicken brown nicely.

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure each piece is coated in seasoning.

Coat the Chicken: Add the eggs to the bowl with the chicken and stir to coat. Next, place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess, and spread them out on the prepared baking sheets.

Add the Bell Peppers: Distribute the sliced bell peppers evenly across the baking sheets. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the peppers and toss to coat.

Bake Your Chicken and Peppers: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway thru for even cooking.

Flip the Chicken: Remove the sheets from the oven and carefully flip the chicken over using a spatula. Return them to the oven and bake until the chicken is perfectly browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C), which should take around 5 more minutes.

Make the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, whisk together the ketchup, pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, stirring often until it thickens a bit, about 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve: Onc the chicken is done, pour 1/4 cup of the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat. Serve your chicken and peppers over a bed of cooked white rice, drizzling with the remaining sauce for a delicious finish.

And there you have it! A scrumptious, homemade Baked Sweet and sour Chicken that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Once your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is ready, it’s time to enjoy this delightful dish! Serving suggestions are key to making your meal feel complete and satisfying. I love to serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice; it perfectly absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce. If you want to add a pop of color and nutrition, consider garnishing with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh flavor.

When it comes to storage, leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find yourself with a larger batch, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave if you’re short on time. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the texture may change, so try to enjoy it fresh!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Making Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is straightforward, but here are a few tips and troubleshooting ideas to help you achieve the best results:

Chicken Choices: While I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, you can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster.

Breading Tips: For a crunchier texture, try double-dipping the chicken in egg and flour. This creates a thicker crust that holds up well against the sauce.

Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of water or more pineapple juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables! zucchini or snap peas work well and add even more color to your dish.

Monitoring Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer for the chicken.You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). If it needs more time, just pop it back in the oven for a few minutes.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious meal every time!