Preparation

Step1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper.

Step2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Place the cornstarch in one shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch, ensuring an even coating, then dip it into the egg mixture.
4. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

Step3: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
2. Ensure the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through.

Step4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. If using pineapple juice, add it now.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce starts to simmer.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Remove the baked chicken from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl or baking dish.
2. Pour the thickened sweet and sour sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.