If you love takeout-style sweet and sour chicken but want a healthier, easier homemade version, this baked recipe is exactly what you need. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in that classic sweet and tangy sauce everyone loves — all without deep frying.
This Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍗 Crispy texture without frying
🍯 Sweet, tangy, and flavorful sauce
🧑🍳 Easy oven-baked method
⏱️ Quick prep with simple pantry ingredients
🍽️ Better-than-takeout taste at home
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken coating:
1 egg
1½ teaspoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the chicken:
Chicken breast or thigh pieces (bite-sized)
Cooking oil spray (optional for crispiness)
For sweet and sour sauce (optional but recommended):
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup vinegar
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the chicken coating
In a bowl, whisk the egg with salt and black pepper. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
2️⃣ Coat the chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat well in the cornstarch-flour mix until fully covered.
3️⃣ Bake until crispy
Place chicken on a lined baking tray. Lightly spray with oil for extra crispiness. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4️⃣ Make the sweet and sour sauce
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry and cook until thick and glossy.
5️⃣ Combine and serve
Toss the baked chicken in the warm sweet and sour sauce until fully coated.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t skip the cornstarch — it’s the secret to crispiness
Flip chicken halfway for even baking
Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste
Serve immediately for best texture
🍚 Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
Steamed white rice
Fried rice
Noodles
Stir-fried vegetables
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken gives you everything you love about your favorite takeout — crispy texture, bold flavor, and a rich glossy sauce — all made easily at home in your oven.
Once you try it, you may never order takeout again
