Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a bold sauce that balances tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This Zesty Chicken Delight is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings, offering a simple yet satisfying dish baked to perfection. Serve it over rice or buckwheat for a hearty meal that’s sure to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken recipe is a standout Zesty Chicken Delight:
- Bold Flavors: A perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
- Versatile: Great for dinners, meal prep, or leftovers in wraps.
- Family-Friendly: Juicy chicken and familiar flavors everyone loves.
- I made this for a weeknight dinner, and it was the ultimate Zesty Chicken Delight hit!
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken (serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
- Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
Ingredient Tips:
- Chicken: Use similar-sized breasts for even cooking; thighs work too.
- Ketchup: Choose a low-sugar brand for balanced flavor.
- Worcestershire: Check for gluten-free or vegan options if needed.
- Chili Powder: Adjust for desired spice level.
- Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, saucepan, tongs, aluminum foil.
Directions for Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
Let’s create this delicious Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken!
Preheat Oven
I preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure a hot start for tender chicken.
Prepare Sauce
In a medium saucepan, I combine 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup water, 2 tbsp melted butter, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp chili powder. I simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring well, then set aside for this Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken recipe.
Assemble Dish
I arrange 4 chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. I pour the sauce over the chicken, using tongs to coat each piece thoroughly.
Bake Chicken
I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. I reduce the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, keeping the foil on to retain moisture.
Shred and Serve
I remove the chicken from the oven, shred it with two forks in the dish, and toss it in the sauce to absorb the flavors. I serve hot over rice or buckwheat.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 35g protein, 10g fat, 0g fiber
Variations for Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
Try these twists on Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken:
- Thigh Swap: Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and juiciness.
- Spicier Kick: Increase chili powder to 2 tsp or add ½ tsp cayenne.
- Honey Sweetness: Replace brown sugar with 2 tbsp honey.
- Garlic Boost: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce.
- Asian Twist: Swap Worcestershire for 2 tbsp soy sauce and add 1 tsp ginger.
Storage
I store leftover Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For freezing, I store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Make your Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken a star Zesty Chicken Delight:
- Classic: Serve as a Zesty Chicken Delight over steamed rice or buckwheat.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for color.
- Pairing: Enjoy with roasted broccoli, cucumber salad, or mashed potatoes.
- Presentation: Plate with vibrant veggies for a colorful meal.
- Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
FAQs
Have questions about Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken? Here are answers to common queries:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking for even baking and sauce absorption.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari with a splash of vinegar is a great substitute.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire or soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Cover tightly with foil during baking to trap moisture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add richer flavor; adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How spicy is this dish?
Mildly spicy; increase chili powder or add cayenne for more heat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store in the fridge for up to 5 days before using.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks directly in the baking dish to shred while warm.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with sauce.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Try steamed rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.
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Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings bold, tangy, and sweet notes to your table. This Zesty Chicken Delight is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings, offering juicy, pull-apart chicken with minimal effort. Try it for your next dinner and savor the irresistible flavors!
Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup 120ml water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- I preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure a hot start for tender chicken.
Prepare Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, I combine 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup water, 2 tbsp melted butter, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp chili powder. I simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring well, then set aside for this Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken recipe.
Assemble Dish
- I arrange 4 chicken breasts in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. I pour the sauce over the chicken, using tongs to coat each piece thoroughly.
Bake Chicken
- I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. I reduce the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, keeping the foil on to retain moisture.
Shred and Serve
- I remove the chicken from the oven, shred it with two forks in the dish, and toss it in the sauce to absorb the flavors. I serve hot over rice or buckwheat.
Notes
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