Sweet And Sour Baked Chicken
Sweet and tangy baked chicken coated in a flavorful pineapple and vegetable sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a vibrant, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- dash of ginger ⓘ
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 3 pounds chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet, then add chopped onions, green pepper, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ketchup, pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ginger. Cook until the mixture reaches a boiling point, stirring constantly.
- Add drained pineapple chunks to the sauce, then remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces in a baking dish.
- Bake covered at 400°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be substituted, reducing the baking time. To enhance flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or use fresh ginger instead of a dash for more intensity. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for easier preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet And Sour Baked Chicken over a bed of rice to absorb the flavorful sauce. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. This dish also complements roasted potatoes or even a side of homemade chicken nuggets for a fun twist. For an Asian-inspired flair, consider serving with egg rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F, which can be done in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover with foil to keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Baked Chicken contains roughly 242 calories, with 3g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2770mg per serving (120% 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 other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, this sweet and sour sauce works well with other meats like pork or tofu. If using pork, adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the thickness of the cuts. Tofu can be added towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and sugar used. Opt for low-sugar ketchup and use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for added nutrients and fiber.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in it a day before. Just assemble everything in a baking dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, ensure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the chicken is cold from the fridge.
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).