Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
¼ cup vegetable oil
FOR THE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE
¾ cup sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder to create the flavorful sauce. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste in a separate large bowl. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning.
Coat with Cornstarch: Add cornstarch to the seasoned chicken and gently toss until the cornstarch evenly coats the pieces. This step contributes to a crispy texture when cooking.
Dip in Eggs: One by one, dip each chicken piece into beaten eggs. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the egg mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Add the chicken and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the cooked chicken into the prepared baking dish. Top the chicken with the previously prepared sweet and sour sauce, ensuring an even coating.
Bake in the Oven: Put the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 55 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating of the thickened sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the sweet and sour chicken from the oven. Serve immediately, savoring the delightful combination of flavors. Enjoy your homemade sweet and sour chicken!