Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken: This dish combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce, balanced by colorful vegetables like bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: The crock pot does all the work, giving you more time to relax or tackle other tasks.
- Classic Flavors: The sweet and tangy combination is a family favorite that pairs well with rice or noodles.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: A few pantry staples and fresh produce create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Sear the Chicken: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and carrots add a pop of color and crunch. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on the low setting ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Avoid Overcooking Veggies: Add bell peppers and pineapple halfway through cooking if you prefer them with a bit of bite.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor. You can also try pork or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a hint of heat.
- Sauce Options: Experiment with apricot jam or hoisin sauce to create unique flavor profiles.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pineapple with chunks of zucchini or cauliflower and use a sugar-free sweetener.
How to Serve Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
This dish shines best when served over a fluffy base that soaks up the delicious sauce. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice make excellent choices.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired presentation.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add more veggies on the side for a nutrient-packed meal.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
Yes, you can, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and to avoid any food safety concerns.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Do I have to sear the chicken before adding it to the crock pot?
No, searing is optional, but it adds a depth of flavor and helps the chicken retain its juices.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients without overcrowding, as this could affect cooking time.
What if I don’t have pineapple?
No worries! You can substitute pineapple with mango, orange segments, or simply omit it for a less fruity version.
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken: This dish combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce, balanced by colorful vegetables like bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 15 oz can pineapple chunks (with juice)
For Serving:
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (garnish)
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger in a bowl. Set aside.
- Toss diced chicken in a ziploc bag with cornstarch, shaking until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 4–5 minutes, then drain on paper towels.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Add bell peppers and pineapple (with juice) to the bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker. Place browned chicken on top.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies. Gently stir, cover, and cook on low for 3–4 hours (or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F).
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 430Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 793mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 2gSugar: 30gProtein: 38g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. It’s a go-to recipe for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a comforting dish that’s easy to make. With endless variations and serving options, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
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