Chicken With Sweet Sour Sauce
Sweet and tangy chicken coated in crispy batter and glazed with a flavorful sweet sour sauce, ideal for those craving bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Skin the chicken.
- Season the chicken with garlic salt.
- Let the chicken stand for 2 hours.
- Dredge the chicken in cornstarch.
- Dip the chicken in beaten egg.
- Chill the coated chicken for 30 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Combine sugar, white vinegar, chicken stock, and soy sauce to make the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce until it browns slightly.
- Pour the sauce over the prepared chicken.
- Bake the chicken with sauce at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider double-dipping the chicken in cornstarch and egg. If you don't have chicken stock, vegetable broth can be a good substitute. You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the sugar, or use honey for a different flavor profile. For a twist, try adding pineapple chunks to the sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice, making it a perfect complement to your favorite Chinese recipes. Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a more festive touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Sweet Sour Sauce contains roughly 1502 calories, with 27g protein, 302g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (60% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of whole chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used for quicker cooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes at 350°F, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Absolutely! Look for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove before pouring it over the chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).