Image Source from kevinsusan

Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Convenient and Tasty Delight

In the realm of quick, convenient meals, few dishes can rival the appeal of sheet pan recipes. Among these, Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken stands out for its vibrant flavours and effortless preparation. This dish captures the delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that characterises traditional sweet and sour cuisine, all while being housed on a single, easy-to-clean tray. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 200g sugar snap peas or green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 100ml ketchup
• 60ml apple cider vinegar
• 50g brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. A hot oven will help to caramelise the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Chop the Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers, red onion, and sugar snap peas to the bowl with the chicken. Give it another good toss to distribute the vegetables with the chicken.

4. Make the Sauce: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes. This will be your sweet and sour sauce that brings all the components together.

5. Combine and Arrange: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Mix well to ensure everything is nicely coated. Transfer the mixture to a large sheet pan, spreading it out into a single layer for even cooking.

6. Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The chicken should be cooked through, and the vegetables should be tender yet crisp, while the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.

7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, perhaps over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, garnished with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds for an added touch.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian spin, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure you press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
• Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier kick, add fresh chillies or a dash of hot sauce to the sweet and sour mixture.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or courgettes to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and colour.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken is an excellent example of how cooking can be both simple and satisfying. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish not only pleases the palate but also makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. So next time you’re in need of a quick, flavourful meal, discover the joy of sheet pan cooking with this delightful sweet and sour chicken recipe. Enjoy!