Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
User Reviews
5
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Description
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken features bite-sized chicken breast pieces coated in cornstarch and dipped in beaten egg, giving a crispy texture after quick pan-frying. These pieces are then layered in a baking dish and coated with a homemade sweet and sour sauce consisting of granulated sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, and garlic salt. Baking the chicken in this sauce allows flavors to meld while finishing the cooking process. The result is tender chicken in a sticky, tangy sauce that balances sweetness and acidity.
The initial skillet browning on each side develops a subtle crust before baking, ensuring the chicken isn’t soggy. The baking step also allows the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken thoroughly. Serve this dish over warm rice to soak up the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.
For best results, toss the chicken halfway through baking to coat evenly with sauce. The dish is baked uncovered at 325 ℉ for about 50 minutes, ensuring thorough cooking and caramelization.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 chicken breast boneless, skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large egg beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup white vinegar distilled
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 325 ℉. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the cornstarch in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag. Place the chicken pieces into the bag with the cornstarch and seal, tossing to coat the chicken.
- Whisk the eggs together in a shallow pie plate.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until very hot. Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in the egg and place them carefully in a single layer in the hot skillet.
- Cook for 20 to 30 seconds on each side until the crust is golden. (The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.)
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Mix the sweet and sour sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl and pour evenly over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 50 minutes, tossing the chicken once at the halfway mark. Serve over warm rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Coat chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch for the best crust.
- Toss the chicken halfway through baking to coat with sauce.
- Serve with warm rice to complement the sweet and sour sauce.