Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken simmers with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a tangy, sweet sauce, creating a comforting dish your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ cup vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cubed chicken, chopped green and red bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks into the crockpot.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup to create the sauce. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Step 4: If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or a dash of ginger to the sauce mixture.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for more moist and flavorful meat.
• Add chopped pineapple juice if you want a sweeter and more liquid sauce.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcooking the vegetables. If using frozen, increase cooking time and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this sweet and sour chicken on the stove instead?

Yes, you can cook it in a large skillet over medium heat. Combine all ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breast cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks in a tangy and sweet sauce. Perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers classic takeout taste with minimal effort.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-6 hours (depending on heat setting)
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks

Sauce

• ½ cup vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup

Thickening (Optional)

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water (for dissolving cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion into chunks. Drain pineapple chunks if using canned.
2. Assemble in the crockpot: Place the cubed chicken, chopped bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks into the crockpot.
3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup until well combined to create the sweet and sour sauce.
4. Add sauce to crockpot: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is coated.
5. Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the sauce nicely.
7. Serve: Once cooked, give the dish a gentle stir and serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.

Notes

• You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by altering the amount of brown sugar or vinegar.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Cornstarch should always be dissolved in cold water before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: sweet and sour chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipes, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, pineapple chicken