Let me tell you, this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen! It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when I crave something delicious without spending hours slaving away. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my home, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in! The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and pineapple really make it pop, and the flavors are just out of this world. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your household too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (I love using red for its sweetness!)
- 1 onion, chopped (you can use yellow or white, whatever you have on hand)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, but I prefer fresh for that juicy taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (this adds a nice umami kick)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (it helps the chicken get that perfect coating)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (just a drizzle to help everything mingle)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice golden color. While your oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix your bite-sized chicken pieces with the soy sauce and cornstarch. I love this step because the cornstarch helps to create a delicious coating that gives the chicken that perfect texture. Make sure each piece is well-coated so you get all that flavor locked in when it bakes!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a baking dish and toss in the coated chicken along with the sweet and sour sauce, chopped bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks. It’s like a colorful party in there! Gently stir everything to make sure the sauce envelops all the ingredients. Trust me, you want all those flavors to mingle together!
Bake the Dish
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on it—I usually check at the 25-minute mark just to be safe!
Serve Your Dish
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a minute before serving. I love pairing this dish with fluffy rice or noodles to soak up all that sweet and sour goodness. Trust me, your taste buds will party with each bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe. Keep in mind these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 25g
So, not only is this dish delicious, but it also packs a punch of protein and flavor! Enjoy every bite knowing it’s a tasty choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Flavorful combination of sweet and tangy that everyone will love.
- Healthy option packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the veggies.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to make sure your easy baked sweet and sour chicken turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your sweet and sour chicken a bit sweeter, feel free to add more sweet and sour sauce. Just a little extra can really enhance the flavor! Conversely, if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sauce slightly—it’s all about your taste!
- Add More Veggies: Don’t be shy about adding more veggies! Broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots can bring in extra crunch and color. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. They’ll soak up that delicious sauce while baking!
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for about 30 minutes before baking. This extra step will make your chicken even tastier!
- Experiment with Sauces: If you want to switch things up, try different sauces! A bit of teriyaki or a splash of chili sauce can add a whole new dimension to the dish. Get creative!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Make sure not to overcrowd your baking dish. If everything is too packed in, the chicken might steam rather than bake, and you won’t get that beautiful caramelization.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to make the best easy baked sweet and sour chicken ever! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, pork, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. For shrimp, you’ll want to reduce the baking time since they cook quickly, while pork might need a few extra minutes to ensure it’s cooked through. Have fun experimenting!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist when reheating!
What can I serve with this dish?
This easy baked sweet and sour chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving it over fluffy white rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette are also great options to add some crunch and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of spring rolls or dumplings can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Enjoy your feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is super simple! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re like me, you might find yourself looking forward to those delicious leftovers!
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best taste and texture, I recommend popping it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and it’ll be just as tasty as when it was first baked. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just make sure to use a microwave-safe dish and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it nice and moist!
Enjoy your leftovers, and don’t forget to savor every bite! It’s almost like having a second delicious meal without any extra work.
Drucken
easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe in 45 minutes
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious sweet and sour chicken dish that you can easily bake.
Zutaten
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- In a baking dish, combine chicken, sweet and sour sauce, bell pepper, onion, and pineapple.
- Drizzle with vegetable oil and stir to coat.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables if desired.
- Adjust the sweetness by using more or less sauce.
- 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: 300
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1.5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe
