Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: baked sweet and sour chicken! This dish is such a crowd-pleaser—it’s juicy, tangy, and oh-so-flavorful. I mean, who can resist that perfect combo of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet pineapple smothered in a luscious sauce? It’s like a party in your mouth! I whip this up when I want something comforting yet light, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Plus, it’s so easy to make—just throw everything in the oven and let it do its magic. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I made it without everyone asking for seconds! If you want a dish that’s both satisfying and a little exotic, you’ve got to try this baked sweet and sour chicken!
Ingredients for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that mouthwatering flavor we all love in baked sweet and sour chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Choose fresh, boneless chicken for the juiciest results.
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped: I love a mix of red and green for color and flavor, but feel free to use your favorites!
- 1 cup pineapple chunks: Canned works well, but fresh pineapple adds an extra zing.
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade can elevate the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This adds depth and umami to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it that perfect glaze.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Just enough to keep things moist and flavorful while baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic will really amp up the taste, trust me!
Make sure you’ve got everything prepped before you start cooking—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Preparing baked sweet and sour chicken is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be one of the most satisfying meals you whip up! Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken bakes evenly and gets all those flavors mingling right from the start!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. Mix it well until everything is nicely blended—this is where the magic begins!
- Now, toss the cubed chicken into the bowl and make sure each piece is coated in that delightful sauce. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes. If you can, cover it and pop it in the fridge—this really amps up the flavor!
- Once your chicken is ready, grab a baking dish and throw in the marinated chicken along with the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Spread everything out evenly so it cooks just right.
- Pour any remaining sauce over the top. This will create a delicious glaze as it bakes!
- Next, slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) if you’re unsure!
- Once done, take it out and let it cool for a minute before serving it hot over a bed of rice or noodles. Get ready for some serious yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a little marinating time and a single baking dish, dinner is on the table in no time!
- Flavorful taste: The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- Healthy option: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the colorful bell peppers and pineapple, it’s a wholesome meal.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish—who can resist that delicious glaze?
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even a salad for a delightful twist!
Tips for Success
To really nail your baked sweet and sour chicken, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the marinating step—trust me, letting that chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes makes a world of difference. If you have time, marinate it longer for even more flavor, just pop it in the fridge!
Also, feel free to customize the veggies! Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to the dish. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to spice things up.
Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check your chicken a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want that tender, juicy goodness without overcooking! Serve it fresh for the best taste—your family won’t be able to resist coming back for more!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving baked sweet and sour chicken, I love pairing it with fluffy steamed rice—the perfect canvas for soaking up that tangy sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of noodles for a delightful twist! Want to elevate your meal even more? Add a side of crispy stir-fried vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors and textures. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for that extra pop of color and flavor. Trust me, your dinner table will look and taste incredible!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of this baked sweet and sour chicken! Each serving, which is about one-fourth of the recipe, is estimated to contain around 350 calories. You’ll also get about 25 grams of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. In terms of fat, there are about 8 grams, with just 1.5 grams being saturated fat. It has approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar, mostly from the sweet and sour sauce and pineapple. Plus, you’re getting some fiber and a good dose of vitamins from those colorful veggies! Remember, these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used, but it’s a deliciously balanced option for sure!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but I recommend thawing it completely before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption.
What if I don’t have sweet and sour sauce?
Don’t worry! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a little sugar to taste. It’ll still give you that sweet and tangy vibe!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies earlier in the day. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free meal!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked sweet and sour chicken is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave for a quick fix—just make sure to cover it to keep the moisture in. If you prefer the oven, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the second time around!
Print
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked sweet and sour chicken is a flavorful favorite that combines juicy chicken with a tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and garlic.
- Add the cubed chicken to the sauce and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Place chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked sweet and sour chicken, chicken recipes, sweet and sour dishes
