Description
Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season chicken: Rub the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on the baking sheet.
Prepare veggies and pineapple: Toss bell peppers and pineapple chunks with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them around the chicken on the baking sheet.
Add sweet and sour sauce: Brush the chicken drumsticks with half of the sweet and sour sauce.
Bake: Roast for 30 minutes, then brush the chicken with the remaining sauce. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the veggies are tender.
Serve: Plate the chicken, veggies, and pineapple over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~360 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof meal. First, ensure your oven rack is in the center position and preheat to 400°F. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels; this helps the skin crisp up. In a large bowl, toss the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and seasonings. Arrange the chicken on one side of the pan and the veggie-pineapple mix on the other, ensuring everything is in a single layer for even roasting. The initial sauce brush adds flavor and helps the chicken caramelize. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added color and texture. A simple side of steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian cucumber salad complements the sweet and sour flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In short: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken and chop veggies. Arrange everything on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Brush chicken with sauce. Roast for 30 minutes, re-sauce, and roast 10-15 more minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Serve immediately over your chosen base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, but reduce the initial cook time by 5-10 minutes as they will cook faster. The skin-on, bone-in pieces provide more flavor and juiciness.
How do I make a quick homemade sweet and sour sauce? Whisk together 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp minced ginger.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can chop the vegetables and make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook just before serving for the best texture.
My vegetables are soggy. How can I prevent this? Ensure your pan is not overcrowded. If items are piled on top of each other, they steam instead of roast. Using two sheet pans if necessary can solve this.
Is fresh or canned pineapple better? Both work. Fresh pineapple offers a brighter taste, while canned pineapple (drained) is more consistently sweet and convenient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: This leads to steaming, not roasting, resulting in limp vegetables and less crispy chicken.
- Neglecting to Pat Chicken Dry: Moisture on the skin prevents it from becoming golden and crispy.
- Skipping the Mid-Cook Sauce Brush: Adding sauce in two layers builds a more complex, caramelized glaze.
- Not Using a Meat Thermometer: Guessing doneness can lead to undercooked or dry chicken. Always check for 165°F.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Give it a try for a stress-free dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.