If your evenings are packed with homework, activities, and a mile long to do list, this sweet and sour chicken is about to make your life easier. It is simple to prepare, made with pantry staples, and has that classic sweet and tangy flavor that both kids and adults genuinely enjoy. This is the kind of dependable dinner that earns a permanent spot in the weekly rotation.
This recipe is flexible enough for nights when you have a little time and also for those evenings when everything feels rushed. You can lightly brown the chicken first for extra texture or use the quicker baked version when you need to save a step. Either way, you end up with a comforting, delicious meal that feels like a win.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
3 to 4 boneless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
For the sweet and sour sauce:
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch and then into the beaten eggs. Heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the browned chicken to a 9 by 13 baking dish.
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic until well combined. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring the chicken twice during baking so the sauce coats every piece evenly.
Quicker Method
If you are short on time, place the raw chicken directly into the baking dish after cutting it into pieces. Add 1/4 cup flour to the sauce mixture and stir well to remove clumps. If any large clumps remain, simply remove them. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake at 350 degrees for one hour, stirring twice during baking.
Serve this sweet and sour chicken over rice for a complete and comforting meal. It reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day, which busy moms always appreciate. This is one of those recipes that makes dinnertime easier while still bringing everyone happily to the table.
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