Sweet and Sour Chicken

📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic baked sweet and sour chicken featuring a savory homemade glaze brushed repeatedly for maximum flavor. Tender, juicy, and perfectly balanced with pineapple.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins1 hourNone4–6 Servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Small pan
  • Baking pan
  • Basting brush

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 TablespoonCornstarchNone
1 TablespoonWaterCold
1/4 CupSugarNone
1/4 CupSoy SauceNone
1/4 CupVinegarNone
A DashGarlic SaltMore if desired
1/8 TeaspoonAccentNone
1/8 TeaspoonGingerNone
1/8 TeaspoonGround PepperCoarse
2 to 2 1/2 PoundsChicken PiecesBroilers, skin removed optionally
4 1/2 Ounce CanPineapple SpearsDrained, optional
To TasteSaltFor chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

  1. In a small pan, combine the 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon cold water, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, a dash garlic salt, 1/8 teaspoon Accent, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it thickens and becomes glossy, remove from fire.

Step 2: Bake and Glaze the Chicken

  1. Place 2 to 2 1/2 pounds chicken pieces in a baking pan.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt to your desired taste.
  3. Brush the chicken with the prepared glaze. Continue to brush with glaze every 10 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
  4. After 30 minutes, turn the chicken pieces over.
  5. Brush the other side with the remaining glaze until well coated.
  6. If using, add the 4 1/2 ounce can pineapple spears to the baking pan during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  7. Bake until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, golden, and done within an hour.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Glaze can be mixed ahead of time, but it is best prepared fresh just before brushing on the baking chicken.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card