Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). - Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch, making sure it is fully coated, then dip it into the beaten eggs.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in batches, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown but not cooked through.
- Place the browned chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bake the Chicken:
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour, turning the chicken once or twice during cooking to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Serve over steamed rice with a side of vegetables.
Benefits:
- Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This dish includes apple cider vinegar, which contains vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of sweet and sour provides a balanced flavor profile that is satisfying and can help curb cravings for more indulgent foods.