If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and super easy to whip up, then this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is just the ticket! I remember the first time I made it; my friends couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how amazing the flavors were. The sweet tang of pineapple paired with the savory chicken and vibrant veggies is simply irresistible! Plus, it’s baked instead of fried, which makes it a bit lighter without sacrificing any flavor. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for those moments when hunger strikes and you want something scrumptious in a snap!
Ingredients for Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish that your family will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned works great!)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you like for a fun pop!)
- 1 onion, chopped (I prefer yellow for its sweetness, but use what you have!)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds that lovely umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken things up a bit)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for that delicious, slightly crispy finish)
Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Carrots, broccoli, or snap peas would be fantastic additions too!
How to Prepare Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this delightful dish! I promise, it’s super straightforward and will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice, juicy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Sauce
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until everything is well blended. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce as it bakes, giving it a perfect consistency. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully! You’ll want to taste it too—just a little dip with your finger to make sure it’s just right!
Combine Ingredients
In a large baking dish, toss together the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, chopped bell pepper, and onion. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so each bite is packed with flavor! Then, pour your homemade sauce over the top and give it a gentle stir to coat everything nicely. Drizzle with the vegetable oil for that slight crispness on the edges. Yum!
Bake the Dish
Now for the fun part—baking! Pop the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The veggies should be tender yet still vibrant in color. Keep an eye on it, and oh man, the aroma will be enough to make your mouth water!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- The flavors are a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- All the ingredients come together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and color.
- This dish is baked rather than fried, so it’s a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
- It pairs beautifully with rice, making it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy baked sweet and sour chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some insider tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add a little more sweet and sour sauce. Conversely, if you like it tangier, just dial it back a bit. Taste as you go!
- Experiment with veggies: Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots can add extra crunch and nutrition. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken: For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat!
- Check the chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches that magical 165°F (74°C). It’s the best way to avoid undercooked chicken and keep it juicy.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a sweet and sour chicken that’s not only easy but incredibly delicious!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your dish can help you enjoy it even more! Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per serving for this easy baked sweet and sour chicken:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But overall, this dish is a great balance of protein, carbs, and flavor, making it a fabulous addition to your meal rotation!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! I’ve answered some common queries about this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe to help you out:
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked through!
What if I don’t have sweet and sour sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a bit of sugar. This will give you a similar flavor profile. You can also try teriyaki sauce if you want a different twist!
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It may take a few extra minutes to cook through if it’s starting cold.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It’s still delicious the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your easy baked sweet and sour chicken is ready to be devoured, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments to elevate your meal! I love to serve this dish alongside fluffy steamed rice—it’s the classic pairing that soaks up all that delicious sauce. But there are so many other options to consider!
- Fried Rice: For a twist, whip up some quick fried rice with veggies and scrambled eggs. It’s a colorful, flavorful side that complements the sweet and sour chicken beautifully.
- Quinoa: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try serving it over quinoa. It adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, making your meal even more satisfying!
- Asian Slaw: A fresh, crunchy Asian slaw with a tangy dressing can brighten up the plate and add a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a simple and nutritious side, steamed broccoli or any green veggie not only brings color but also balances the meal nicely.
- Spring Rolls: If you’re feeling fancy, serve some crispy spring rolls on the side. They’re fun to eat and add a delightful crunch to your dinner!
Whatever you choose, these sides will not only complement your sweet and sour chicken but also create a vibrant, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Imprimer
Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for baked sweet and sour chicken.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
- In a baking dish, combine chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Drizzle with vegetable oil and stir to coat.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Adjust the sweetness by using more or less sweet and sour sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe
