Prepare to enjoy the best Sweet and Sour Chicken you’ve ever had—baked, flavorful, and full of vibrant veggies! This version has become a reader favorite, with many calling it “restaurant quality,” “better than takeout,” and “the most flavorful homemade sweet and sour chicken.” Baking instead of frying makes it lighter without sacrificing that signature crispy, saucy goodness.
With juicy chicken, pineapple, carrots, and bell peppers all in one baking dish, this recipe is meal-in-one perfection—no extra stir-frying required!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home: Readers rave it’s even better than takeout or fried versions.
- Healthier option: Baked instead of fried, for a lighter, guilt-free meal.
- Easy prep, minimal stress: The sauce and chicken can be prepped ahead, then baked together when ready.
- Balanced flavor: Sweet pineapple and sugar meet tangy vinegar, ketchup, and savory soy for a perfect sweet-and-sour harmony.
- Veggies included: Carrots, bell peppers, and onions cook in the sauce for a complete, colorful dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Breading
- 3–4 chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1⅓ cups cornstarch
- ½ tsp each: garlic powder, salt
- ¼ tsp each: ground ginger, onion powder, black pepper
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (or half honey)
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from a 20-oz can of pineapple tidbits)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp each: red pepper flakes, ground ginger
Vegetables & Pineapple
- 1 20-oz can pineapple tidbits (in juice)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup carrots, sliced as thin as possible (2–3 carrots)
Instructions
1. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer while prepping the chicken and veggies. Stir occasionally. The sauce will not thicken yet—it’s to soften onions and blend flavors.
2. Prep the Chicken Breading
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Whisk eggs in a bowl or freezer bag.
- Place flour in a separate bag.
- Mix cornstarch and breading spices in a third bag.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Dip chicken in eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Toss in flour bag, shaking off extra.
- Coat in spiced cornstarch, then transfer to a colander to remove excess.
4. Brown the Chicken
Heat enough neutral oil in a large skillet to cover the bottom. Brown chicken in batches, 1–2 minutes per side—chicken should be golden but not fully cooked. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
5. Assemble the Dish
Add carrots, pineapple, and bell peppers to the dish. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over everything and stir gently to combine.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken and veggies. Serve over rice and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Prep ahead: Sauce, chicken, and veggies can be prepped in advance; combine only before baking.
- Chicken size matters: Keep pieces about 1 inch so they stay juicy.
- Vegetable size: Bell peppers 1-inch, carrots sliced thin for even cooking.
- Breading order: Eggs → flour → cornstarch ensures a light, crispy coating.
- Reduce sugar: If cutting sugar, adjust vinegar and ketchup proportionally to maintain balance.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce separately (omit bell peppers) for up to 3 months. Flash freeze chicken pieces to prevent sticking.
Reheating:
- Stove: Heat with a drizzle of oil, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Not recommended—may make chicken rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
- Pair with Asian-inspired salads or appetizers like spring rolls or egg rolls.
This baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor—the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal for friends and family!