Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
This oven-baked sweet and sour chicken delivers crispy pieces of chicken tossed in a vibrant, tangy sauce with pineapple and colorful bell peppers. Baking instead of frying keeps the dish lighter while still providing a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
| Bell peppers (mixed colors) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Medium onion | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil (for sauce base) | 2 tablespoons |
| Green onions | For garnish |
| Sesame seeds | For garnish |
How To Make Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Step 1: Heat Oven and Prepare Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with oil or cooking spray. Cut the chicken thighs into small bite-size pieces and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a large bowl combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl whisk the egg, then mix in the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Step 3: Coat and Bake
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture first, then dredge it in the cornstarch mixture until fully coated. Place the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the coating becomes golden and slightly crisp.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat combine the ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables begin to soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken with Sauce
Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the baked chicken pieces and stir briefly. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
