Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: baked sweet and sour chicken! It’s such a delightful balance of flavors that just dances on your taste buds—tender chicken, tangy sauce, and those juicy pineapple chunks all come together for a mouthwatering experience. This dish has become a staple in my house, and honestly, I can’t remember the last time I made it without someone asking for seconds (or thirds!). I love how easy it is to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even when I’m entertaining friends. Seriously, once you try this flavorful favorite, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved in households everywhere!
Ingredients for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delicious baked sweet and sour chicken. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze!
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you like! I usually go for red or green)
- 1 onion, chopped (sweet onion works great for added flavor)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps thicken the sauce beautifully)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling and added richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
That’s it! These ingredients come together to make a vibrant and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ready to whip up this amazing baked sweet and sour chicken? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are just spectacular.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely, golden finish!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. This combo is where the magic happens, transforming your chicken into a saucy delight!
- Next, take a large baking dish and add the cubed chicken, pineapple chunks, chopped bell pepper, and onion. I love how colorful this looks—it’s like a party in a dish!
- Now, pour that beautiful sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies. Don’t be shy—make sure everything is well coated! This is key for maximum flavor.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top and season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to combine it all nicely.
- Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and tender. I usually give it a little peek halfway through to stir, ensuring even cooking.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect over rice or noodles—just wait until you see everyone’s faces when they take that first bite!
And there you have it! A delightful baked sweet and sour chicken that’s bursting with flavor and ready to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful taste that balances sweetness and tanginess.
- Healthy ingredients packed with protein and vibrant veggies.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup, which is always a win!
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or spice levels.
Trust me, once you make this baked sweet and sour chicken, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked sweet and sour chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, consider marinating the cubed chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for about 30 minutes before baking. This little step adds so much extra flavor and tenderness to the meat—trust me, it’s worth it!
If you want to mix things up, feel free to toss in additional veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for even more color and nutrition. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time. If your chicken is cut a bit larger, it may need a few extra minutes. A good tip is to use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional values for my baked sweet and sour chicken. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
This dish is a wonderful balance of protein and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about baked sweet and sour chicken? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get:
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cubing and marinating. Frozen chicken may need a little extra cooking time, so keep an eye on it!
What if I don’t have sweet and sour sauce?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a bit of sugar. It works great in a pinch!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in any of your favorites. Just cut them to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this baked sweet and sour chicken is a delightful gluten-free option!
How do I store leftovers?
Simply place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the oven or microwave!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious baked sweet and sour chicken is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop it in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s hot. Enjoy those tasty leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Z nadrukami
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Baked sweet and sour chicken is a flavorful favorite that combines tender chicken with a tangy sauce.
Składniki
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 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 olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix sweet and sour sauce with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- In a baking dish, combine chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything to coat well.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Asian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: baked sweet and sour chicken, chicken recipe, sweet and sour dish
