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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring crispy, oven-baked chicken pieces coated in a vibrant sweet and tangy sauce with bell peppers and pineapple. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a balanced combination of savory and sweet without any greasy mess, making it ideal for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free option)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for crisping

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free/vegan option)
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust per taste)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss the pieces in cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated to help achieve a crispy crust when baked.
  2. Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil to help crisping without frying.
  3. Bake the Chicken: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning and crunch.
  4. Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Combine and Add Veggies: After the chicken is golden and crispy, toss it in a large bowl with diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir gently until well coated.
  6. Serve Immediately: Plate the baked sweet and sour chicken alongside your choice of steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use a high oven temperature (400°F) to achieve a crispy texture without drying the chicken.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space for the chicken pieces to crisp evenly.
  • Prepare the sauce ahead of time to save on busy nights.
  • Taste the sauce before mixing and adjust sweetness or tanginess by modifying sugar or vinegar levels.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes after combining to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and sour chicken, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, gluten-free dinner, easy weeknight meals, tangy chicken, crispy baked chicken

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken/