Crispy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight
This Crispy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight is a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The chicken is first coated in a light cornstarch crust and then baked to perfection, ensuring a succulent and crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the homemade sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is not just simple to make but also brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Sourced from the fantastic recipe at browneyedbaker.com, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3-4 (cut into chunks)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cornstarch
1 cup
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
canola oil or vegetable oil
1/4 cup
sugar
3/4 cup
ketchup
4 tablespoons
vinegar
1/2 cup (preferably rice or white)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Season the chicken chunks generously with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating.
3
In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Then, dip them into the slightly beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
4
Heat the canola or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in two batches, brown the chicken chunks for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, but do not cook through.
5
Once browned, arrange the chicken in a single layer in a foil-lined 9x13 inch baking dish.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth to create the sweet and sour sauce.
7
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure each piece is coated. Gently turn the chicken to ensure an even distribution of the sauce.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, turning the chicken every 15 minutes to keep it coated in sauce and ensure even cooking.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Crispy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight with rice or steamed vegetables!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Crispy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight?
The recipe uses 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks.
How is the chicken prepared before baking?
The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper, coated in cornstarch, dipped in beaten eggs, and then browned in a skillet with oil.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
What ingredients are in the homemade sweet and sour sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken bakes for a total of 1 hour.
How often should I turn the chicken while it's baking?
You should turn the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure it remains evenly coated in sauce and cooks properly.
Do I need to cook the chicken completely in the skillet?
No, you only need to brown the chicken chunks for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden; they will finish cooking in the oven.
What type of vinegar works best for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using either rice vinegar or white vinegar.
What size baking dish should I use?
A foil-lined 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What is the secret to the crispy texture of the chicken?
The combination of a cornstarch coating and browning the chicken in a skillet before baking creates the crispy exterior.
What are some recommended side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a perfect staple for family meals.
How much cornstarch is needed?
You will need 1 cup of cornstarch to coat the chicken.
What kind of oil should be used for browning?
You can use 1/4 cup of either canola oil or vegetable oil.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How many eggs are required for the coating?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, slightly beaten.
How much sugar is in the sauce?
The sauce contains 3/4 cup of sugar.
What is the source of this recipe?
The recipe is sourced from the culinary blog browneyedbaker.com.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the 1-hour baking process.
Is the chicken seasoned with anything besides the sauce?
Yes, the chicken chunks should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper before coating.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
How much ketchup is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 4 tablespoons of ketchup.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is simple to prepare.
How do I ensure the sauce is distributed evenly?
After pouring the sauce over the chicken, gently turn the chicken pieces to ensure every part is covered.
Why is the baking dish lined with foil?
Lining the dish with foil helps with cleanup and prevents the sauce from sticking to the pan.
What should I do with excess egg when dipping?
You should allow the excess egg to drip off the chicken before placing it in the skillet.
Can I use more than 4 chicken breasts?
The recipe is designed for 3-4 breasts; if you use more, you may need to increase the sauce and coating ingredients proportionally.
What is the texture of the chicken inside the crust?
The chicken remains succulent and tender while the outside stays crispy.