Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for something cozy, colorful, and bursting with flavor? Today, we’re diving into the comforting world of Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken — a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory. 🍍🍗
This dish traces its roots to the fusion of Chinese-inspired flavors with Western home-cooking ease. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you just toss everything into your slow cooker, let it simmer gently for a few hours, and come back to a meal that tastes like it’s been tended to all day. The sauce — glossy, thick, and fragrant — clings beautifully to every piece of chicken and vegetable, offering the perfect bite every time.
Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice or noodles, this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken is a heartwarming dish that delights kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a cozy Sunday lunch. So, let’s get that slow cooker humming and fill your kitchen with the aroma of something truly special. 🌈✨
🥕 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp grated fresh ginger (optional but adds great depth!)
For the Vegetables & Pineapple:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
For Thickening (optional):
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or noodles 🍚
- Sliced green onions 🌿
- Sesame seeds for garnish ✨
🍽️ Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This gives the chicken a light crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully later. - Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the chicken on all sides — no need to cook through. This step adds a nice texture and seals in the juices. - Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and slightly tangy — that’s the magic flavor base! - Load the Crockpot
Add the browned chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure every piece is coated. Add the chopped bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. Stir gently to combine. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor. Your kitchen will smell incredible by now! 😍 - Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your sauce thicker, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot about 15 minutes before serving. Turn heat to High and let it bubble until the sauce thickens. - Serve and Garnish
Spoon the sweet and sour chicken over fluffy rice or noodles. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish. Every bite should have that perfect mix of tender chicken, tangy sauce, and sweet pineapple. 🍍✨
🥗 Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 4 hours | ⏳ Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
This dish is rich in flavor but easy on effort. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian salad for a balanced, complete meal. It’s a family favorite that tastes even better the next day!
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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
