Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—baked sweet and sour chicken! This delightful meal is a flavorful favorite that effortlessly combines tender chicken with a tangy, lip-smacking sauce that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma filled the kitchen, and it felt like a warm hug as we gathered around the table. It’s such a simple recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked! It’s sweet, it’s sour, and it’s downright delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients so you can start your culinary adventure!

Ingredients for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

To whip up this amazing baked sweet and sour chicken, you’ll need some fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cubed: Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced: I love using a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green—for a vibrant dish. They add a delightful crunch!
• 1 cup pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned works great! The pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce.
• 1/2 cup sugar: This is where the sweetness comes from! You can adjust this to your taste if you prefer it less sweet.
• 1/2 cup vinegar: I usually go for white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar can add a nice twist too! It brings that essential tanginess.
• 1/2 cup ketchup: This gives the sauce its rich flavor and a lovely red color. Trust me, it’s a key player!
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For that savory depth of flavor, soy sauce is a must! Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce, making it stick beautifully to the chicken and veggies.
• 1 tablespoon water: Just a little water to mix with the cornstarch and help create that luscious sauce.

Gather these goodies, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that’s sure to impress! Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—preparing your baked sweet and sour chicken! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and locks in all those flavors. Trust me, a properly preheated oven makes all the difference!

Mix the Sauce

Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. You want to make sure there are no lumps—those cornstarch bits can be a little tricky! Mixing thoroughly creates that perfect tangy sauce that’ll coat your chicken and veggies beautifully.

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Now, let’s prepare our chicken and veggies! For the chicken, cube the boneless breasts into bite-sized pieces—think of about 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that yummy sauce. As for the bell peppers, dice them into similar-sized pieces to match the chicken. I like to use a colorful mix for that vibrant look and added crunch. Fresh veggies really do elevate the dish, so go for the freshest you can find!

Assemble the Dish

Time to layer everything in a baking dish! Start by placing the cubed chicken at the bottom, followed by the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Pour that delicious sauce you just mixed all over the top. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens—so satisfying to see it all come together!

Baking Process

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbling and slightly thickened. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—this is when temptation really sets in with those mouthwatering aromas wafting through your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a minute before serving. I love to serve this baked sweet and sour chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. You can also garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for that extra touch. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this baked sweet and sour chicken. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving, which is about 1/4 of the entire dish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 25g

This dish packs a flavorful punch while still being relatively balanced. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that won’t leave you feeling guilty! Enjoy knowing you’re feeding yourself and your loved ones something delicious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This baked sweet and sour chicken comes together in no time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Favorite: The perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors will have you and your family coming back for more!
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one baking dish, which means less cleanup—yay for that!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is always a hit!
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness to fit your taste!
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s still good for you!
• Great Leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!

Tips for Success

Now, let’s talk about making sure your baked sweet and sour chicken turns out perfectly every single time! I’ve picked up a few handy tips along the way that I just *have* to share with you. Trust me, these will elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vibrant vegetables make a world of difference in flavor and texture. I always recommend checking your produce for the best quality!
• Don’t Skip the Marinating: If you have a little extra time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking. It really helps infuse those flavors and makes the chicken even more tender!
• Check Your Chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it’s cooked through and safe to eat—no one wants dry chicken!
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: If you like it sweeter or tangier, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar or vinegar. Cooking is all about finding that perfect balance for your palate!
• Mix It Up: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for other veggies like snap peas or carrots. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand and keep things exciting!
• Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your dish during the last few minutes of baking. If it’s bubbling and the chicken is cooked through, you’re ready to dig in! Overbaking can dry out the chicken, so set a timer!
• Let It Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let your dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This lets the sauce thicken a bit more and makes for a nicer presentation!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a sweet and sour chicken experience that’s bound to impress. Happy cooking!

Variations on Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Now that you’ve mastered the classic baked sweet and sour chicken, let’s have some fun with variations! This recipe is super versatile, and you can easily mix things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Veggie Wonderland: Swap out the bell peppers for other vibrant veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots! Each brings a unique flavor and texture, making the dish even more exciting.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. It’ll elevate the dish with a delightful spicy flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
• Protein Swap: Don’t feel limited to chicken! Try using shrimp or tofu as your protein. Just remember that cooking times may vary—shrimp cooks faster, while tofu benefits from a little marinating!
• Fruit Fusion: Experiment with different fruits! Mango chunks or even diced peaches can add a sweet twist. Just imagine that juicy goodness mingling with the tangy sauce—yum!
• Teriyaki Style: For a different flavor profile, switch the sauce to a teriyaki blend. You can use store-bought or make your own by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. It’s a fun way to change things up!
• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil before serving for a burst of freshness. They’ll add a delightful aroma and elevate the presentation!

With these variations, you can keep your baked sweet and sour chicken exciting and new every time you make it. So go ahead, get creative, and make this dish your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to store your delicious baked sweet and sour chicken! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s just that good), you’ll want to store them properly to keep all those flavors intact.

First, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents any moisture buildup that could make your dish soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to enjoy it before it starts to lose that amazing taste!

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as that can dry out the chicken. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot!

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your baked sweet and sour chicken even after the first delicious meal. Enjoy every bite!

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: 7 Simple Steps to Delight

---

• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
• Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Glutenfrei

Drucken-Rezept

Pin-Rezept

Beschreibung

Baked sweet and sour chicken is a flavorful favorite that combines tender chicken with a tangy sauce.

---

Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

---

Anweisungen

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water.
3. Place chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple in a baking dish.
4. Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Adjust the sweetness by altering the sugar amount.
• Use fresh vegetables for better texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
• Kategorie: Main Course
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: Asian

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 serving
• Kalorien: 350
• Zucker: 20g
• Natrium: 600mg
• Fett: 8g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1.5g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 6.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 40g
• Faser: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterin: 70mg

Keywords: baked sweet and sour chicken, flavorful favorite, chicken recipe