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Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
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4. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, and ginger powder (if using). Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Continue to whisk occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Coat the Chicken with the Sauce:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and transfer the pieces into a large bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly. You can reserve a little sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer.
6. Serve:
Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, or enjoy it alongside stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few minutes longer to bake.
- Veggie Add-ins: For a more complete meal, you can add in vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or pineapple. Simply toss them with the chicken in the sauce or roast them separately in the oven for the last 15 minutes.
- Make it Spicy: If you like your sweet and sour chicken with a bit of heat, add a few dashes of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Leftover baked sweet and sour chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Crispy Chicken Tips: If you want the chicken to stay extra crispy, serve the sauce on the side and drizzle it on just before eating. This way, the crispy texture of the chicken won’t soften too much from the sauce.
Why This Recipe is Healthier:
This baked sweet and sour chicken is a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. Baking the chicken instead of frying cuts down on the oil, and using a homemade sauce with ingredients you can control ensures you’re avoiding the added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. With lean protein from the chicken and the addition of healthy ingredients like apple cider vinegar and garlic, this dish is not only satisfying but also a nutritious option.
Conclusion:
If you’re craving the irresistible combination of sweet and tangy flavors but want to keep things light and healthy, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect dish for you. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and far easier to make than you might expect. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a new family favorite. So, why not skip the takeout and try making this delicious dish at home? You’ll be glad you did!
