Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is 1000x better than any takeout! It’s crispy on the outside, tender juicy on the inside and exploding with flavor. There is a reason why this is our favorite recipe on the blog!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp. tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1 tsp. ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the tapioca flour (or cornstarch) in a large resealable bag and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
- Heat the grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.
- Dip each piece of coated chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well coated, and then transfer them to the hot skillet. Sear the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown on all sides. Once seared, place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, apricot preserves, pineapple juice, tamari sauce, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Pour the sweet and tangy sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, making sure to toss and coat the chicken with the sauce halfway through the baking time.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and glazed the chicken pieces beautifully, remove it from the oven.
- Serve your delectable sweet and savory chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed vegetables for a delightful meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.
CONCLUSION :
In conclusion, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, showcasing the harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess that characterizes this beloved dish. Through the meticulous balance of ingredients and the innovative cooking method of baking, this recipe not only satisfies the palate but also promotes healthier eating habits by minimizing the use of oil while maximizing nutritional value.
The succulent chicken pieces, coated in a crispy layer of seasoned flour and gently baked to golden perfection, provide a satisfying crunch with each bite. Meanwhile, the vibrant medley of vegetables adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing both the visual appeal and nutritional profile of the dish. Whether it’s the crisp bell peppers, the tender chunks of pineapple, or the savory onions, each component contributes to a symphony of flavors that dance across the taste buds.
What truly sets Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken apart is its signature sauce – a luscious combination of sweet and tangy notes, enriched with aromatic spices and seasonings. This velvety sauce not only glazes the chicken and vegetables with irresistible flavor but also serves as a unifying element that ties the entire dish together, creating a harmonious culinary experience.
Moreover, the decision to bake rather than fry the chicken not only reduces the overall calorie and fat content but also eliminates the hassle and potential hazards associated with deep-frying. This healthier cooking method does not compromise on taste or texture, as the oven’s dry heat ensures that the chicken remains juicy on the inside while achieving the desired crispiness on the outside.
In essence, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken represents the epitome of culinary innovation, offering a wholesome and delicious alternative to traditional takeout favorites. Its versatility allows for endless variations, whether it’s incorporating different proteins, adjusting the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce, or experimenting with an array of complementary vegetables.
In a world where convenience often trumps nutritional value, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that healthy eating can be both accessible and indulgent. So whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, consider adding this delectable dish to your repertoire – it’s sure to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression on all who partake.
Enjoy this mouthwatering homemade dish that balances sweet and savory flavors with a tender, crispy texture.
picture source : modernmealmakeover.com
