Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Crispy, Saucy, and Better Than Takeout

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Baked, not fried – healthier and less mess
✅ Crispy outside, juicy inside – thanks to a genius coating method
✅ Homemade sauce – sweet, tangy, and addictively delicious
✅ Family-friendly – picky eater approved!
✅ Meal-prep friendly – reheats like a dream

This recipe gives you restaurant-style flavor without the deep fryer or mystery ingredients.

Ingredients for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ⅓ cup pineapple juice (optional but recommended)

📝 Pro Tip: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a splash of sesame oil for extra depth.

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• Sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking dish or sheet pan with foil and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

• Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat evenly.

• Dip each piece into beaten egg, then place in a single layer on the baking dish.

✅ This two-step breading process creates a light, crispy coating—without deep frying. 

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Drizzle a little oil over the chicken and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be lightly golden, but not fully cooked through yet.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.

In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine & Bake Again

Pour the warm sauce over the partially baked chicken. Add pineapple and bell peppers if using. Toss gently to coat.

Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce is thick and glossy and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

🍍 For the full takeout experience, pair with egg rolls, fried rice, or a side of stir-fried veggies.

Why Bake Instead of Fry?

Traditional sweet and sour chicken is deep-fried, which gives it a crisp texture but adds a lot of oil. Baking this dish allows you to keep that satisfying crunch while cutting back on grease.

Plus, baking lets the sauce caramelize around the chicken—something that’s hard to replicate with stir-frying alone.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container

• Freeze for up to 2 months (best without pineapple chunks)

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts

This dish is perfect for meal prep lunches or weeknight dinners on demand.

Nutrition Information (per serving – approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 14g

• Sugar: 22g

• Sodium: 580mg

Nutrition may vary slightly depending on ingredients used.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Variations

🥢 Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken – Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce
🥦 With Veggies – Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots in the final bake
🥒 Low-Sugar Version – Use a sugar substitute or cut sugar by half and increase pineapple juice
🍚 Fried Rice Bowl – Serve over homemade fried rice for a full takeout-style dinner

FAQs

Can I make this with thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully.

What’s the best vinegar to use?
Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness, but white vinegar or even rice vinegar works too.

Is this dish gluten-free?
The sauce is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use a GF soy sauce and check your cornstarch brand.

Final Thoughts

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, tangy, and a little crispy. It’s a healthier twist on a takeout favorite that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Whether you’re trying to save money, avoid processed food, or just want a killer dinner with minimal fuss—this recipe is a must-try.

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