Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
This oven-baked sweet and sour chicken combines crispy pieces of chicken with a vibrant, tangy sauce featuring pineapple and colorful bell peppers. Baking the chicken keeps the dish lighter while still delivering a satisfying crunch and bold 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: Preheat and prep
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the coating
In one bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Step 3: Coat and bake
Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make 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, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the vegetables become tender.
Step 5: Combine
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the baked chicken and cook briefly. Pour in the sauce and toss until all pieces are well coated.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
