Sweet & Sour Oven Baked Chicken

Step 1: Set oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish (or a larger baking dish or roaster if using more chicken and doubling sauce).

Step 3: In a medium saucepan in a small amount of oil, saute the onions, green pepper and carrots for about 3 minutes; add in the fresh garlic (if using), and saute for another 3 minutes.

Step 4: (Start with the lesser amounts) -- Stir in the ketchup, pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper and the ginger powder; stir with a spoon until all the ingredients are well mixed; bring to a light to a boil (at this point adjust all of the ingredients, adding in more to suit taste, and bring to a boil again for a couple of minutes). If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a thin paste, add to sauce and boil another minute.

Step 5: Add in the pineapple chunks/tidbits: set the sauce aside.

Step 6: In a large skillet sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper; brown on both sides in oil (use as much oil as needed) until lightly browned (about 3 minutes per side, do not burn the skin!).

Step 7: Set the browned chicken pieces into the baking dish/roaster.

Step 8: Pour the sauce over the chicken; mix lightly to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with sauce.

Step 9: Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked. Serve with or over rice.