Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Healthier Twist on a Takeout Classic

Craving that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors? Baked sweet and sour chicken offers all the deliciousness of the classic dish—without the excess grease and calories. This homemade version is not only healthier but also easy to make, making it the perfect family-friendly meal.

Skip the deep-fried takeout and enjoy this crispy, flavorful dish baked to perfection. With a mouthwatering homemade sweet and sour sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Healthier Alternative – Baked, not fried, for fewer calories and less oil.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Cheaper than ordering takeout.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick preparation.
✔️ Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
3. Coat each piece in cornstarch, then dip it into the beaten eggs.
4. Lightly sear in a pan with olive oil for 2 minutes per side.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish.
2. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Tips for the Best Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

✔️ Use fresh chicken for better texture.
✔️ Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
✔️ For extra crispiness, broil for the last 5 minutes.
✔️ Pair with rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 8g

Final Thoughts

This baked sweet and sour chicken is a game-changer—giving you all the flavor without the deep-fried guilt. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! 🍽️