Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Name: Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp. soy sauce; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. sea salt

Isabella

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This recipe for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the tangy and sweet flavors of a homemade sauce with the succulent texture of chicken. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Key Features:

Main Ingredient: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess, achieved through a sauce of granulated sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.

Texture: The chicken is first coated in cornstarch and egg, then seared to golden perfection, offering a crispy exterior with a tender and juicy inside.
Cooking Method: Oven-baked, ensuring the chicken is cooked evenly and infused thoroughly with the flavors of the sauce.
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Serving Suggestion: Best served with rice, which complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Overall, this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a must-try for those who love the combination of sweet and sour flavors and enjoy hearty, comforting meals.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making baked sweet and sour chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. These ingredients include:

Chicken Preparation

When it comes to the chicken, you will want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into bite-sized pieces. It’s important to make sure that the chicken is cut evenly so that it cooks evenly. You can use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken if it’s too thick.

To prepare the chicken, you will need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cornstarch
Eggs
Canola oil

The cornstarch helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken while the eggs help the coating stick to each piece. The canola oil is used to fry the chicken quickly to give it a crispy texture.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Components

The sweet and sour sauce is what gives this dish its signature flavor. To make the sauce, you will need:

Granulated sugar or brown sugar

Apple cider vinegar
Ketchup
Soy sauce

Garlic powder

The sugar gives the sauce a touch of sweetness while the vinegar adds a tangy flavor. The ketchup and soy sauce add depth of flavor, and the garlic powder adds a subtle hint of garlic.

When making the sauce, it’s important to taste it as you go to make sure that the flavors are balanced. If it’s too sweet, add more vinegar. If it’s too sour, add more sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.

By using these essential ingredients and following the recipe carefully, you can create a delicious and flavorful baked sweet and sour chicken dish that will be sure to impress your family and friends.

Cooking Procedure

Marinating the Chicken

Before cooking, it is important to marinate the chicken. This step will help to infuse the chicken with flavor and make it tender. To marinate the chicken, you can use a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar.

To do this, simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken. Make sure that the chicken is coated in the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will give the chicken enough time to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Baking Instructions

Once the chicken is marinated, it is time to bake it. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, or until it is cooked through. You can check if the chicken is done by cutting into it and making sure that the juices run clear.

Sauce Preparation and Application

While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

Once the chicken is done, pour the sweet and sour sauce over it. Make sure that the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce. You can also garnish the chicken with some sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken hot with some steamed rice or vegetables on the side. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Serving Suggestions

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your culinary repertoire:

1. Rice

Rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. You can serve it plain or fried, depending on your preference. To make fried rice, sauté some vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and onions) in a pan, then add cooked rice and stir-fry until heated through.

2. Vegetables

Vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition to any meal. You can serve steamed or stir-fried vegetables alongside your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. Some good options include broccoli, green beans, and bell peppers.

3. Noodles

Noodles are another great option for serving with Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. You can use any type of noodles you like, such as lo mein or udon. To add some extra flavor, toss the noodles with a little soy sauce or sesame oil.

4. Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a popular appetizer that also make a great side dish. You can buy them pre-made or make your own at home. To make egg rolls, fill a spring roll wrapper with a mixture of vegetables and meat (such as pork or chicken), then fry until crispy.

5. Pot Stickers

Pot stickers are another popular Chinese appetizer that can be served as a side dish. They are similar to dumplings, but are pan-fried instead of boiled. You can buy them pre-made or make your own at home.

Overall, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. With these serving suggestions, you can create a complete and flavorful meal that your whole family will love.

Nutritional Information

If you are watching your calorie intake, baked sweet and sour chicken can be a great option for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for this dish, based on the provided search results:

A serving of sweet and sour chicken contains around 1765 calories.

The total fat content is around 89g, with 14g of saturated fat.
The dish is also high in carbohydrates, with around 80g per serving.
However, it is also a good source of protein, with around 50g per serving.

To make this dish healthier, you can try using skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, and reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce. You can also add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.

Overall, baked sweet and sour chicken can be a delicious and satisfying meal option, but it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and the ingredients used to make the dish. With some modifications, you can enjoy this classic Chinese dish while still maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

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