It’s a classic dish that captures the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, and when prepared in a slow cooker, it becomes a hands-off, easy weeknight meal. This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is not only super simple to make, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously rich sauce that coats tender pieces of chicken.
Why Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is Worth Your Time
Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, inviting aroma of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken wafting through your kitchen. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that feels gourmet. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your evening and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
Ingredient Checklist
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 lb), cut into 1″ – 1 1/2″ pieces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (optional)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple (fresh is best, but canned works too)
- 1/4 of an onion, diced into 1″ pieces
- 1/2 of a green bell pepper, diced into 1″ pieces (red bell pepper is a great alternative)
Cook’s Kit
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping your chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in making the sauce just right.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
- Serving Spoon: To dish out the deliciousness once it’s cooked!
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started on your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into chunks of about 1 to 1.5 inches. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to penetrate every piece.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and Sriracha hot sauce (if using). This mixture will become the flavorful base for your chicken.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and fresh pineapple. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure everything is well-coated.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sauce has thickened, serve the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken over a bed of rice or with steamed vegetables. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor and presentation!
If You’re Out Of…
If you find yourself missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some easy substitutions:
- Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth or water in a pinch.
- Light Brown Sugar: White sugar can be used instead, though it will alter the depth of flavor slightly.
- White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative that adds a fruity note.
- Sriracha: Any hot sauce can work if you like a bit of heat!
What Not to Do
While making Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t skip the corn starch: This is essential for thickening the sauce, giving it that luscious texture.
- Avoid overcooking: If you leave it in the slow cooker too long, the chicken can become dry and tough.
- Don’t forget to stir: Mixing the ingredients well ensures even distribution of flavors.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Questions People Ask
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so, and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even stuffed peppers. You might also consider serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. Just prepare it the same way, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Incorporating into your weekly meal plan is a fantastic idea. Here are some other quick and easy dinner options you might enjoy:
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the information needed to create a delicious batch of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this dish is. Prepare to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy every bite of this sweet and tangy dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into chunks of about 1 to 1.5 inches.
- Step 2: Make the Sauce - In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and Sriracha hot sauce (if using).
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker - Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and fresh pineapple. Pour the sauce over the top.
- Step 4: Cook - Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce - Mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy - Serve the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, ensure to mix the cornstarch slurry well before adding.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; prepare ingredients and sauce separately.
