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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

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Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite

Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that has long been a favorite at many Chinese restaurants. The perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. But what if you could enjoy this delicious meal without the deep frying and excess oil? Enter Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken—a healthier, lighter version of the classic that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

This recipe is simple to prepare, requires fewer ingredients than you might think, and best of all, it’s baked instead of fried, making it a better option for those looking to cut back on calories while still enjoying a flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family, this baked version of sweet and sour chicken is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken:

  • Healthier Option: By baking instead of frying the chicken, you cut down on unnecessary oil and calories.
  • Easy and Quick: This recipe is simple to make, and you’ll have a meal ready in under an hour.
  • Full of Flavor: The sweet and tangy sauce is packed with flavor, and the crispy chicken is a perfect contrast to the rich sauce.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness or tanginess to suit your tastes, or even add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the dish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium, if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

2. Bread the Chicken:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture. Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top before baking.

3. Bake the Chicken:

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