Sweet and Sour Chicken

sweet-sour-chicken-3738439990

In this recipe, we transform the takeout favorite, Sweet and Sour Chicken, into a baked delight perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish strikes a balance between the tangy zest of its sauce and the succulent tenderness of the chicken, all while maintaining a delightful crunch. Perfect for those eager to elevate their home cooking repertoire, this recipe promises a culinary adventure that satisfies taste buds and impresses at any dinner table.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 serves

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts, 4 (approximately 2 lbs or 900g)
  • Cornstarch, 1 cup (128g)
  • Eggs, 2 large
  • Canola oil, for frying (about 1/2 cup or 120ml)
  • Salt, 1 tsp (5g)
  • Black pepper, 1 tsp (2g)
  • Sugar, 3/4 cup (150g)
  • Ketchup, 1/4 cup (60ml)
  • White vinegar, 1/3 cup (80ml)
  • Apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup (60ml)
  • Soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml)
  • Garlic powder, 1/2 tsp (1g)
  • Bell peppers, 1 cup, sliced (about 150g)
  • Pineapple chunks, 1 cup (165g)
  • Thinly sliced carrots, 1/2 cup (about 65g)
  • Steamed rice, for serving
  • Stir-fried vegetables, for serving (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnishing (optional)

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture.
  • Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Dip the coated chicken pieces into the eggs.
  • Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Lightly fry the chicken pieces until golden but not cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Place the partly fried chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and golden brown.
  • For the sauce, whisk together sugar, ketchup, both vinegars, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then fold in bell peppers, carrots and pineapple chunks. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Pour the sauce over the baked chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Serve over steamed rice and optionally garnish with sesame seeds. Accompany with stir-fried vegetables if desired.

This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a homemade twist on a classic takeout dish, combining the perfect balance of flavors with ease of preparation. Ideal for a comforting weeknight meal, it not only satisfies the cravings for Chinese cuisine but also adds a healthier option to your dinner rotation. Its vibrant sauce, tender chicken, and the hint of crunch make it a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutritional Information (Approx)

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 55g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 950mg

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