Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

If you love classic Chinese takeout flavors, this homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Juicy chicken pieces are baked in a tangy, sticky sauce that’s irresistible over fluffy white rice. Best of all, you can make this dish easily with simple pantry ingredients!

Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and frequently asked questions to help you make perfect sweet and sour chicken every time.

 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional for serving: cooked white rice, steamed vegetables, chopped green onions

How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Follow these detailed steps for a delicious, restaurant-style dinner right at home:

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

• Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.

• Set the pan aside.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

• Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

• Season generously with salt and black pepper.

• Place the cornstarch in a large zip-top plastic bag.

• Add the seasoned chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch.

Step 3: Dip in Egg Mixture

• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

• One by one, dip each cornstarch-coated chicken piece into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches.

• Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.

• Transfer browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Granulated sugar

  • Ketchup

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Soy sauce

  • Garlic powder

  • Sea salt

• Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 6: Bake

• Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.

• Gently toss the chicken pieces to coat them well.

• Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring or turning the chicken halfway through cooking so the sauce caramelizes evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove from the oven and let rest a couple of minutes.

• Serve hot over steamed rice.

• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

 Tips for Success

• Cut chicken evenly into 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking.

• Searing adds flavor—don’t skip this step!

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it separately on the stovetop for 5–7 minutes before pouring it over the chicken.

• For a lighter version, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup and replace half the vinegar with orange juice.

 Suggested Sides

Pair your baked sweet and sour chicken with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice

• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers)

• Egg rolls or spring rolls

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.

How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely—freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

 Recipe Card (Printable)

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Shake chicken with cornstarch in a zip-top bag.

4. Dip in beaten eggs.

5. Sear in hot oil until golden.

6. Arrange in baking dish.

7. Whisk together sauce ingredients.

8. Pour over chicken.

9. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway.

10. Serve with rice.

Enjoy this easy homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken any night of the week. It’s a family favorite that tastes better than takeout—and you control the ingredients!