Tender Sweet & Sour Chicken Bake with Honey Garlic Glaze
Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes, look no further than Tender Sweet & Sour Chicken Bake with Honey Garlic Glaze. This dish is designed for a quick weeknight dinner, offering restaurant‑quality taste with minimal fuss. Below you’ll find everything you need to recreate this crowd‑pleaser at home, from a concise shopping list to step‑by‑step guidance that ensures juicy chicken and a glossy, caramelized glaze. The combination of pineapple, bell pepper, and carrots adds a burst of freshness, while the honey‑garlic sauce coats each bite with a glossy sheen. You’ll also discover how a simple cornstarch slurry transforms the sauce into a velvety coating that clings to every morsel. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe delivers consistent results with straightforward techniques that even novice cooks can master. Read on to explore prep tips, cooking times, and serving suggestions that make dinner both delightful and stress‑free.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite‑size cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup carrots, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9‑inch baking dish. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking.
- Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat; sear the chicken until all sides are golden, about 4‑5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks, sliced red bell pepper, and carrot ribbons. Stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- While the vegetables cook, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a mild heat.
- Pour the glaze over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth, thickened sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to develop depth of flavor.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece evenly with the glossy mixture. Transfer the entire combination into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out for uniform cooking.
- Bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens, making this Tender Sweet & Sour Chicken Bake with Honey Garlic Glaze perfectly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve hot; this dish shines as a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch by 1 teaspoon or add a splash of water mixed with cornstarch.
- Feel free to swap pineapple for mango or peaches for a different tropical twist.
- Leftover portions reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven; add a splash of broth to revive the glaze.
- Use a gluten‑free soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for celiac diets.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier kick.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Sugars: 22 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Vitamin C: 45% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 6% of Daily Value
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs work well and stay juicier; just adjust cooking time slightly.
- Is this recipe gluten‑free? It can be made gluten‑free by using tamari or a certified gluten‑free soy sauce.
- What side dishes pair well? Steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple cucumber salad complement the flavors nicely.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely; prepare the glaze and chop the veggies in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
- How can I make it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently to maintain texture.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch? Substitute with arrowroot powder or a small amount of flour, though the thickening power may vary.
- Is honey essential for the glaze? It provides sweetness and shine; you can replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect.
Enjoy this Tender Sweet & Sour Chicken Bake with Honey Garlic Glaze as the perfect quick weeknight dinner that brings sweet, tangy, and garlicky notes together in one delightful bite.