If you're craving a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Chinese kitchen, look no further! Our Homestyle Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthier twist on the classic takeout dish. With succulent chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious homemade sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Best of all, it comes together in just an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken cube thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
- Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until chicken is golden and crispy.
- While chicken is baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Whisk together and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a separate pan, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once chicken is baked, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed vegetables and pineapple chunks.
- Pour the hot sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and garnish with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your homestyle baked sweet and sour chicken!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the cornstarch mixture and prepare the sweet and sour sauce a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, to enhance the dish’s color and nutrition.
- Crispier Chicken: For an extra crispy texture, consider double-coating the chicken by dipping it back into the cornstarch mixture after the first layer has set.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your dish with fresh chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Perfect Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles, so don’t forget to prepare a side to soak up that delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
