Easy Baked Sweet-Sour Chicken
Sweet and tangy baked chicken with honey and lemon, featuring a crispy skin and tender meat, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken, skin down, in a greased shallow baking dish.
- Combine vegetable oil, honey, lemon juice, dry mustard, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Baste the chicken with the sauce mixture.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces and brush with more sauce.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the honey and lemon mixture for a few hours before baking. If you’re out of dry mustard, Dijon mustard can work as a substitute. To add a touch of spice, feel free to sprinkle in some paprika or cayenne pepper. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and pairs well with rice, similar to Glorified Chicken And Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked sweet-sour chicken with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad complements this dish beautifully. You can also drizzle some extra honey over the chicken for added sweetness. This dish pairs well with other comforting chicken recipes, making it a versatile option for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sweet-sour chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as the chicken can become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Sweet-Sour Chicken contains roughly 72 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the baking time as they may cook faster than larger pieces of chicken. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What can I serve with sweet-sour chicken?
Sweet-sour chicken pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the dish. For a heartier meal, consider adding noodles or a side of baked potatoes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate the raw chicken with the sauce mixture. When ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).