Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

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Introduction

Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is the kind of comforting, nostalgic meal that brings everyone to the table. With its signature balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this dish has long been a favorite in households around the world. Traditionally, sweet and sour chicken is deep-fried and tossed in sauce, but this oven-baked version delivers all the bold flavor you crave with a lighter, more approachable method that’s perfect for home cooks.

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a glossy, sticky sauce that thickens beautifully as it bakes. The chicken is lightly coated, briefly browned, and then finished in the oven, allowing the sauce to caramelize and cling to every bite. The result is tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a rich, flavorful glaze that tastes just as satisfying as takeout—if not better.

What makes this recipe truly special is its balance of ease and flavor. There’s no deep fryer, no complicated steps, and no hard-to-find ingredients. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. Serve it over fluffy rice, pair it with crisp vegetables, or enjoy it on its own—it’s endlessly versatile.

If you’re looking for a healthier, oven-friendly alternative to classic sweet and sour chicken that still delivers on taste, this recipe is exactly what you need.

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Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

There are countless reasons this dish deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

• No deep frying required: Baking keeps things lighter without sacrificing texture or flavor.

• Family-friendly flavors: Sweet, tangy, and savory notes appeal to both kids and adults.

• Simple pantry ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.

• Perfect for meal prep: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

• Takeout-style comfort at home: Enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without the cost or grease.

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Ingredients Breakdown

One of the biggest strengths of this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  Chicken breasts provide a lean, tender base. Cutting them evenly ensures consistent cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.

Cornstarch

• ½ cup cornstarch
  Cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the chicken crisp slightly and allows the sauce to cling beautifully as it thickens.

Eggs

• 2 large eggs, beaten
  Eggs help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken and contribute to a tender texture.

Oil

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  Used only for browning, not frying. This step adds flavor and color without excess grease.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Components

• 1 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze

• ½ cup distilled white vinegar: Adds brightness and tang

• ¼ cup ketchup: Brings color, sweetness, and depth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory umami balance

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering

• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth

Seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  Simple seasoning ensures the chicken itself is flavorful before baking.

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Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any special tools to make this Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, which makes it even more appealing.

• Baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Large skillet

These basic kitchen tools are all you need to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. Season and Coat the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Coat them evenly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.

This two-step coating creates a delicate outer layer that absorbs the sauce while maintaining a tender interior.

3. Brown the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

This step adds flavor and structure, helping the chicken hold up during baking.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Arrange the browned chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. Try not to overcrowd the pan so the sauce can coat every piece.

5. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.

The sauce may seem thin at first, but it will thicken dramatically as it bakes.

6. Bake and Stir

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Stirring is essential—it prevents burning and helps the sauce thicken into a glossy, caramelized glaze.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is thick and sticky and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Serve hot over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

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Tips for Best Results

• Stir regularly: This ensures even cooking and prevents the sugar from burning.

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness: They stay tender even after long baking.

• Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a more tangy sauce.

• Add vegetables: Bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or onions can be added during the last 15 minutes.

• Don’t skip browning: It adds depth and prevents soggy chicken.

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Variations and Customizations

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is easy to customize:

Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken

Add pineapple chunks during the last 15 minutes of baking for classic sweet-and-fruity flavor.

Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Stir in chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe fully gluten-free.

Extra Veggie Version

Add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a complete one-dish meal.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Steamed white or jasmine rice

• Fried rice or lo mein noodles

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Simple cucumber salad for freshness

The sweet, tangy sauce complements both grains and vegetables perfectly.

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Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through

• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed

The sauce thickens as it sits, so gentle reheating preserves the texture.

Print

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Protein: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 58 g

• Sugar: 42 g

• Fat: 14 g

This baked version offers satisfying flavor with less oil than traditional fried recipes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Does the sauce really thicken without cornstarch?
Yes. The sugar and vinegar reduce and caramelize in the oven, creating a thick glaze.

Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce texture may change after thawing.

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Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is proof that comfort food can be both easy and incredibly satisfying. By baking instead of deep frying, you get all the bold, sticky-sweet flavor of a classic favorite with a lighter, more home-friendly approach. The tender chicken, glossy sauce, and simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels familiar yet elevated.

Whether you’re recreating a takeout classic, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a reliable weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time. It’s adaptable, approachable, and endlessly comforting—exactly the kind of meal that earns a permanent place in your recipe collection.