Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s not just delicious but also a breeze to whip up, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe! I’m telling you, this dish is a total winner, bursting with flavor and ready in no time. The combination of tender chicken pieces, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers all coated in a tangy sauce makes for a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s baked to perfection, which means less mess and more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!
Ingredients for Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if necessary)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you like for a pop of color!)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (feel free to use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps thicken the sauce nicely)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil you have on hand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra kick of flavor)
How to Prepare Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice, golden finish. Nobody likes undercooked chicken, right? So, let that oven warm up while you get everything else ready!
Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a bowl, combine the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic powder. Just whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well blended. This sauce is going to be the star of the dish, so make sure it’s mixed nicely. The cornstarch is key here; it’ll help thicken the sauce as it bakes, coating everything beautifully.
Coat the Chicken
Now, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces into that delicious sauce mixture. Make sure every piece is coated evenly—this is where the flavor magic happens! I like to use my hands for this part, but you can also use a spatula if you prefer. Just get in there!
Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish
Grab a baking dish and place the coated chicken pieces in it. Then, add the pineapple chunks and chopped bell pepper on top. Drizzle everything with vegetable oil and give it a gentle mix to combine. This little step helps to ensure that all those vibrant flavors meld together beautifully as they bake.
Bake the Chicken
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly crispy. Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Serving Suggestions
Once it’s out of the oven, serve your easy baked sweet and sour chicken hot over a bed of rice or noodles. Trust me, those fluffy grains soak up all that tangy sauce and make every bite even better. Feel free to garnish with some green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe, it’s nice to know what you’re eating! Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For instance, if you opt for low-sodium soy sauce or swap out the chicken for a different protein, those numbers might shift a bit. No worries, though—this dish is still a tasty, balanced option for your table!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe, here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, marinating the chicken in the sweet and sour sauce for 30 minutes before baking can really elevate the flavor. It allows the chicken to soak up all that deliciousness!
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other veggies you love. Broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots work wonderfully and add some lovely colors to your dish.
- Crispier Chicken: If you prefer a crispier texture, consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
- Homemade Sauce: While store-bought sauce is super convenient, making your own sweet and sour sauce can take this dish to another level! You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your personal taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Don’t forget to garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top can add a lovely finishing touch and a pop of freshness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Variations of Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
One of the best parts about this easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is how customizable it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or use up what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Veggie Medley: Swap out the bell pepper for other veggies like zucchini, carrots, or snap peas. They’ll add different textures and flavors, making the dish even more exciting!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. It’s a great way to give this dish a little extra zing!
- Switch Up the Protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster and tofu may need a bit more time to get crispy.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces! You can use teriyaki sauce or even a sweet chili sauce for a unique twist. Each sauce brings its own flavor profile to the dish!
- Pineapple Alternatives: Love fruit in your savory dishes? Try adding mango chunks or even diced peaches for a tropical flair. They’ll add a wonderful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas to make this dish your own. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about finding what you love best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before starting the recipe. Thawing allows for even cooking and better sauce absorption. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as it may take a little longer to bake.
What can I substitute for sweet and sour sauce?
If you don’t have sweet and sour sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a bit of sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll work in a pinch! You could also try using a store-bought teriyaki or barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. Just double-check your sweet and sour sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead! Just coat the chicken and combine it with the pineapple and bell pepper in the baking dish. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven!
What do I serve with sweet and sour chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or noodles, which soak up that delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for that extra flair!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of vibrant flavors from the sweet and sour sauce, pineapple, and bell peppers.
- Healthier than takeout, with lean chicken and fresh veggies.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay for that!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variety.
- Great for meal prep or leftovers—reheat for a tasty lunch the next day!
- Family-friendly dish that kids will love, making it a hit at the dinner table.
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup for a comforting meal!
Print
Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: 7 Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe is simple and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic powder.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce mixture until well coated.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and add the pineapple and bell pepper.
- Drizzle with vegetable oil and mix gently.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy baked sweet and sour chicken recipe
