Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about sweet and sour chicken. The glossy sauce, the tender chicken pieces, and that perfect balance between tangy and sweet flavors make it a dish people crave again and again. While many of us associate sweet and sour chicken with takeout boxes and deep-fried bites, this Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe proves that you can enjoy the same bold flavors at home in a lighter, more wholesome way.

This oven-baked version delivers everything you love about the classic dish—juicy chicken, a sticky sweet-and-sour glaze, and irresistible flavor—without the heaviness of deep frying. Baking allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully while keeping the chicken tender on the inside. The result is a family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent yet homemade, simple, and satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or crisp vegetables, making it a complete meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

• Servings: 4–5

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

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

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

1. Baked, Not Fried

Unlike traditional restaurant versions, this dish skips deep frying. Baking the chicken reduces excess oil while still delivering great texture and flavor.

2. Perfect Sweet and Tangy Balance

The homemade sauce combines sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce for that classic sweet-and-sour taste—no bottled sauce required.

3. Family-Friendly

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is mild enough for kids yet flavorful enough for adults. You can easily adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.

4. Easy to Make Ahead

The flavors deepen as the chicken bakes, making it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

5. Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Simple pantry staples come together to create a dish that tastes like takeout without the cost.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup distilled white vinegar

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

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Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and add extra juiciness.

• Cornstarch: This helps create a light coating that holds the sauce beautifully.

• Sugar: You can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

• Vinegar: White vinegar gives the classic tang, but apple cider vinegar works too.

• Soy sauce: Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

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

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Coat each piece thoroughly in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs until evenly coated.

3. Brown the Chicken

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

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Arrange the browned chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.

5. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and fully combined.

6. Bake

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the sauce thickens evenly and coats every piece.

7. Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

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Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

• Stir regularly: This prevents burning and helps the sauce thicken evenly.

• Don’t skip browning: Lightly browning the chicken adds texture and flavor.

• Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup for a more tangy sauce.

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

• Use the right dish: A wide baking dish allows better sauce reduction.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: This helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

• Overcrowding the pan: Brown chicken in batches for best results.

• Not stirring during baking: Regular stirring ensures even caramelization.

• Baking at too high a temperature: Low and slow baking creates the perfect glaze.

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Variations and Add-Ins

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile:

Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken

Add pineapple chunks during the last 15 minutes for a classic tropical twist.

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Vegetables

Add bell peppers, onions, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

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What to Serve with Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Steamed white or jasmine rice

• Fried rice or vegetable rice

• Stir-fried vegetables

• Lo mein noodles

• Simple cucumber salad

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Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

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Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time and portion with rice for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 42 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze sweet and sour chicken?

Yes, though the sauce may thin slightly when thawed. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use an air fryer instead?

This recipe is designed for the oven, but the chicken can be air-fried separately and tossed with sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The flavors are mild, sweet, and comforting.

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Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe proves that homemade comfort food can be just as satisfying as takeout—if not better. By baking instead of frying, you get a dish that feels lighter without sacrificing flavor, texture, or that signature glossy sauce everyone loves. The chicken stays tender, the sauce thickens beautifully, and every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With pantry staples and straightforward steps, it’s accessible even for beginner cooks. At the same time, it’s impressive enough to serve guests or bring to the table when you want something familiar yet homemade. The ability to customize it—whether by adding vegetables, pineapple, or a bit of spice—means it can adapt to your family’s tastes effortlessly.