Sweet & Sour Chicken Made Easy: Baked Recipe with Pineapple

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s nothing like the tangy sweetness of a well-made sweet and sour chicken dish, and this recipe takes it to a whole new level by baking the chicken in the oven. The combination of crispy chicken bites and a homemade sweet and sour sauce, paired with juicy pineapple chunks, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken while still delivering that crispy texture everyone loves. Plus, the sauce is made with everyday ingredients you likely have in your pantry, making this dish as convenient as it is flavorful.

A Balanced Blend of Sweet and Tangy

The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of tender chicken bites coated in cornstarch and lightly browned, then baked to perfection. The sweet and sour sauce, a perfect balance of sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and soy sauce, gives the dish its distinctive flavor. A sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth to the sauce, while the pineapple chunks offer a refreshing sweetness that ties everything together.

With each bite, you’ll experience a medley of textures: the slight crispiness of the chicken, the tang of the sauce, and the sweetness of the pineapple. It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Recipe: Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat each piece with cornstarch. Dip the coated chicken cubes into the beaten eggs.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly brown the chicken on all sides, then transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix together the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder to create the sweet and sour sauce. Pour this sauce evenly over the browned chicken in the baking dish.
4. Bake the chicken for 60 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
5. In the final 10 minutes of baking, add the pineapple chunks to the dish and let them heat through.
6. Serve the baked sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal, and enjoy the delicious contrast of tangy and sweet flavors.

The Finishing Touch

This Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken recipe is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal. The pineapple chunks add a fun twist, giving the dish a tropical flair that perfectly complements the sauce. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.

Here are some great sources for Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken recipes with pineapple:

1. Carlsbad Cravings shares a detailed version of sweet and sour chicken baked with vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Their method includes lightly browning the breaded chicken before baking it in a rich sauce for maximum flavor. The pineapple chunks add a nice touch, creating a well-balanced sweet and tangy taste​(Carlsbad Cravings).
2. The Recipe Critic offers a straightforward recipe that also uses pineapple and bell peppers, with tips on how to stir and bake the chicken to achieve the perfect glaze. They recommend stirring the chicken every 15 minutes during the bake to coat it evenly​(The Recipe Critic).
3. Favorite Family Recipes gives another version, highlighting how the sauce is made separately and thickened with cornstarch. This version also includes pineapple along with the chicken for a classic take on the dish. They suggest making extra sauce for dipping, which can be thickened to your preference​(Favorite Family Recipes).

You can explore these sites for more details on how to tweak the recipe to your liking!