Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe showcases tender chicken in a tangy and flavorful sauce that will impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more. With its simple preparation and delicious taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish quickly.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of sweet apricot preserves and zesty salad dressing creates a unique taste that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, it suits various dining experiences.
• Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken breasts and lots of veggies, it’s a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both adults and kids, making it a family favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools to make your cooking experience seamless.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your chicken doesn’t stick to the baking dish, making cleanup easier.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch size is perfect for even cooking of the chicken and allows space for all ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly before baking.

Ingredients

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken (a.k.a. Apricot Chicken) is a super easy, no breading, baked chicken in a super flavorful sweet and sour sauce.

For the Chicken Dish

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 ounce bottle French or Catalina salad dressing
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 15.75 ounce can pineapple chunks (drained)
• 2 green peppers (chopped)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

How to Make Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. While it’s heating up, spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the French or Catalina salad dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix. Stir well until everything is blended together smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add in the cut pieces of chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Mixture

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Pineapple and Peppers

After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Stir in the drained pineapple chunks and chopped green peppers. Mix well before returning it to the oven.

Step 7: Final Baking Time

Cook for an additional 15 minutes. This step ensures that all ingredients are heated through and flavors are combined perfectly.

Step 8: Serve Over Rice

Once done, remove from oven and serve over cooked rice for a complete meal that’s full of flavor! Enjoy your delicious Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken!

How to Serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serving Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli – Bright green and crunchy, steamed broccoli adds a healthy crunch.
• Sautéed Snap Peas – Lightly sautéed snap peas provide sweetness and a pop of color.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Fluffy White Rice – The classic choice, fluffy white rice soaks up the sweet and sour sauce perfectly.
• Rice Noodles – For a twist, serve over rice noodles for a delightful texture.

Garnishes and Toppings

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for an added zing.
• Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

How to Perfect Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Perfecting your Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is easy with these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Boost – Use low-sodium salad dressing to control salt levels while keeping flavor high.
• Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh green peppers instead of frozen for better texture.
• Marinate Chicken – Let chicken marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
• Check Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
• Add More Fruits – Consider adding sliced bell peppers or chunks of mango for extra sweetness.
• Experiment with Spices – A pinch of ginger or garlic powder can add an exciting twist to the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Choosing the right side dishes can complement the flavors of Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. Here are some excellent suggestions that pair well with this dish.

1. Fried Rice – A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs that complements the main dish beautifully.
2. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
3. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into the sauce.
4. Quinoa Salad – A nutty quinoa salad loaded with veggies provides a nutritious boost.
5. Roasted Asparagus – Tender roasted asparagus adds an elegant touch to your meal.
6. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw brings a crunchy texture that balances the sweetness of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring chicken size: Cutting chicken into uneven pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Always aim for uniform 1-inch chunks for consistent doneness.
• Overbaking: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended baking times and check for doneness early.
• Skipping the stirring step: Failing to stir in the pineapple and peppers can result in uneven flavor distribution. Make sure to mix these ingredients in thoroughly during the last cooking phase.
• Not preheating the oven: Starting with a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Choosing subpar dressings or preserves can diminish the dish’s flavor. Opt for quality products for a delicious outcome.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date.

Reheating Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed; stir until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a simple dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a tangy sweet sauce made from apricot preserves and salad dressing.

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute vegetables like carrots, onions, or even snap peas according to your taste preferences.

How do I serve Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken?

This dish is best served over cooked rice. You may also serve it with noodles or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this recipe healthy?

With lean chicken breasts and plenty of veggies, Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken can fit into a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it before baking. Just follow storage guidelines for best results.

Conclusion

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only flavorful but also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness level. Give this easy recipe a try—you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!

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