Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks).
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch.
- 2 large eggs (beaten).
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for searing).
- The Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- 3/4 cup sugar.
- 4 tbsp ketchup.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic salt.
- Garnish: Sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper. Place them in a bowl with cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
- The Egg Wash: Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs.
- Quick Sear: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches for 1–2 minutes per side (it doesn’t need to be cooked through). Place the browned chicken into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic salt until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Turn the chicken pieces every 15 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly coated and the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve over a bed of fluffy white rice.