Does anyone else ever get cravings for Chinese food? Specifically sweet and sour chicken! Well, this is my health twist on Sweet and Sour Chicken! This Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken makes a delicious, healthier alternative to your Chinese takeout. My version delivers all the bold, tangy flavors of the classic takeout dish without deep frying and with simple, wholesome ingredients you can trust.
The majority of my dishes are designed to help you stay on a healthy track, while keeping your favorite meals on the menu. This recipe is one of those meals that feels comforting and familiar, yet light enough to enjoy any night of the week.
It's perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping. If you're on the hunt for more baked chicken dinners, then you must try my Baked Chicken Caprese and my Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets!
Table of contents
Ingredients to make this easy chicken recipe
You will need the following ingredients.
- chicken breast - boneless, skinless, fat trimmed off, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- apple cider vinegar - adds a unique, fruity, and mellow tang.
- coconut aminos (soy sauce substitute) or use soy sauce - adds a salty, umami, savory flavor.
- cornstarch - helps create a light, crispy coating and tenderizes the meat.
- coconut sugar - a natural sweetener.
- low-sodium chicken broth - I always opt for low-sodium so I can control the salt intake.
- minced garlic - balances the sauce and helps add savory notes.
- no-sugar-added ketchup - manages the sugar intake while also providing the necessary tanginess and color.
- sesame seeds - optional topping
Directions for homemade sweet and sour chicken
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. In a large mixing combine apple cider vinegar, soy sauce or coconut aminos, cornstarch, coconut sugar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 - Add chicken into the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Step 3 - Meanwhile, make the side dish you wish to pour this chicken over. Some options are pasta, quinoa, or rice.
Step 4 - Once the chicken is done, pour it over the starch of your choice and top with optional sesame seeds.
Substitutions
Cornstarch - this ingredient is crucial for the crispiness, but can be substituted for an equal amount of arrowroot starch or tapioca starch.
Apple Cider Vinegar - can also swap out for white vinegar or rice vinegar.
Ketchup - if you don't happen to have this ingredient at home, you can also use tomato paste.
Tips and FAQ's
Broil for 2 - 3 minutes at the end.
If you think your sauce looks dry, add a splash of water, orange juice, or pineapple juice before stirring.
You can store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More chicken recipes you will also LOVE
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Healthier Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Equipment
- large non-stick skillet
- cutting board
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast fat trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup no sugar added ketchup
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- cooking spray
- seasame seeds optional topping
Instructions
- Step 1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. In a large mixing combine apple cider vinegar, soy sauce or coconut aminos, cornstarch, coconut sugar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2 - Add chicken into the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Step 3 - Meanwhile, make the side dish you wish to pour this chicken over. Some options are pasta, quinoa, or rice.
- Step 4 - Once the chicken is done, pour it over the starch of your choice and top with optional sesame seeds.
Notes
- Combine all ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Help dump the chicken into the mixing bowl and fold it into the mixture.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, they can sprinkle on the sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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