Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
This Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a comforting homemade version of a classic favorite. Juicy chicken pieces are lightly coated, baked to perfection, and smothered in a glossy sweet-and-tangy sauce that’s full of flavor. Baking the chicken allows the sauce to thicken beautifully while keeping the dish lighter than deep-fried versions. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup cornstarch
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2 large eggs, beaten
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⅓ cup vegetable oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sweet and Sour Sauce
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1 cup sugar
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½ cup distilled white vinegar
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¼ cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. -
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat each piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs until fully coated. -
Brown the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked. -
Transfer to Baking Dish
Place the browned chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. -
Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. -
Bake
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. -
Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
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Stir regularly: This helps the sauce thicken evenly and prevents burning.
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Balance the flavor: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly.
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Add vegetables: Bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or onions can be added during the last 15 minutes of baking.