Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal—this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe. It’s so delicious and simple that it makes cooking feel like a breeze! I whip it up whenever I need a quick dinner that pleases everyone at the table, from the youngest to the oldest. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks bathed in that tangy sweet and sour sauce just brings a smile to my face. Plus, it all comes together in one baking dish, which means less mess and more time to enjoy those precious family moments. Trust me, once you try it, this dish is going to become a cherished part of your meal rotation too!
Ingredients List
- 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
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color. You want it hot and ready to deliver that perfect bake, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your bite-sized pieces of chicken, chopped bell pepper, onion, and those delightful pineapple chunks. Then, it’s time to add the sweet and sour sauce along with the soy sauce. I like to use my hands or a large spoon to mix everything together really well—this is key for making sure every piece of chicken and veggie gets coated in that delicious sauce. Trust me, the more even the coating, the better the flavor!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Now grab a baking dish (a 9×13 inch works great) and spread the mixture evenly inside. I like to drizzle a little olive oil over the top and give it a light toss again right in the dish, just to ensure everything is well coated and won’t stick. This little step makes a huge difference in preventing a messy cleanup!
Step 4: Season and Bake
Next, sprinkle a touch of salt and pepper over the top to enhance that flavor. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to check that the chicken is cooked through—no pink inside! When it’s done, it should be tender and juicy, and the veggies will be perfectly roasted. And oh, the amazing aroma that fills your kitchen during baking? Pure bliss!
Tips for Success
To really nail this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, if you have time, marinate the chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for about 30 minutes before baking. This extra step infuses the chicken with flavor and makes it even juicier. Also, don’t hesitate to mix in other colorful veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your chicken as it bakes. If you find it’s getting too brown, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Lastly, serve it over a fluffy bed of rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce—it’s a game changer!
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetable Medley: Swap in your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for a colorful twist.
- Alternative Sauces: Try using teriyaki sauce or a homemade sweet chili sauce instead of sweet and sour for a different flavor profile.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even pork for a change of pace.
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a zesty kick.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits like mango or bell pepper for added sweetness and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this easy baked sweet and sour chicken is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten chicken and veggies into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. I recommend using the microwave for quick heating—just cover the container to retain moisture and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll get that delightful texture back while making sure it’s heated through. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this easy baked sweet and sour chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a good amount of protein while keeping it relatively light. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and flavor absorption!
What if I don’t have sweet and sour sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade version using equal parts ketchup and vinegar, mixed with a bit of sugar. It’s a great substitute!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, or just make sure it’s no longer pink inside!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure you use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if needed. Keep an eye on it to ensure everything cooks through evenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously flavorful with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
- Healthy option that’s gluten-free and packed with protein.
- Everyone in the family will love it—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe your family will love
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Delicious and simple baked sweet and sour chicken that is sure to please everyone.
Składniki
- 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
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, bell pepper, onion, and pineapple.
- Add sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste preference.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Asian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe
