Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This recipe showcases tender chicken thighs simmered to juicy perfection in a rich sauce, complemented by vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple. Using a slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken can easily become a favorite for many reasons. Firstly, the convenience of a slow cooker lets you prep the ingredients in just a few minutes. You can set it and forget it, returning hours later to a warm, hearty meal that fills your home with inviting aromas. Secondly, the combination of sweet and tangy flavors tantalizes your taste buds, while the variety of textures from the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple keeps every bite interesting. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
To prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 bell peppers, cut into large chunks (any color)
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Directions
Making Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is simple and straightforward. Start by preparing your chicken. In a large bowl or a sealable plastic bag, toss your cut chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper until they are well coated. This coating not only helps to seal in moisture but also creates a nice texture once cooked.
Next, heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add your coated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook the chicken for about three minutes on each side until it is browned. This step adds depth to the flavors, giving your dish a delightful color and savory taste. After browning, transfer the chicken into your slow cooker.
Once the chicken is in the slow cooker, add your chunks of bell peppers and pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a delightful contrast. Now, it’s time to prepare your sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of ketchup, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and ½ tablespoon of ground ginger. This sauce is the secret to the dish’s sweet and sour flavor profile.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Be sure to stir gently, ensuring that everything is well coated in that flavorful sauce. Once everything is combined, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This cooking time allows the chicken to become tender while soaking up all the delicious flavors. Just before serving, make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is easy and versatile. This dish pairs exceptionally well with rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal option. The fluffy rice or soft noodles soak up the sweet and savory sauce beautifully, adding to the overall enjoyment of the dish.
To serve, ladle a generous portion of the chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple onto a plate or a bowl filled with rice or noodles. For an elegant touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also adds a little crunch and freshness to every bite. Your family or guests will be thrilled to dig into this colorful and hearty meal!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
To maximize your experience while making Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken, consider these expert tips. First, always make sure to cut your chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and thoroughly, preventing any undercooked pieces. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures moisture and tenderness, as they tend to fare better in slow cooking compared to chicken breasts.
When it comes to vegetables, feel free to mix and match according to your preferences. While bell peppers and pineapple are traditional, you can also add other colorful vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or even broccoli for loads of nutrition and variety. Additionally, if you prefer more sauce, consider doubling the amount of sauce ingredients. This gives you extra to drizzle over your rice or noodles, enhancing the overall flavor.
If you find that your chicken has become too dry after cooking, simply add a splash of chicken broth when serving. This can help refresh and moisten the dish delightfully. Lastly, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking; after all, you know your taste preferences best!
How to Store Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Storing your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is simple and straightforward. Allow any leftovers to cool down at room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep this dish in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to label the container with the date to stay organized.
If you’d like to keep the dish for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can enjoy this delicious meal within 2-3 months when stored in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
While the classic Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a star in its own right, there are plenty of ways to mix things up! For instance, you can experiment with different protein options. Instead of chicken thighs, why not try chicken breasts, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative? This can change the dish significantly while still keeping it delicious.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, consider adding chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce ingredients. This can elevate the flavor profile and give your dish a spicy edge. Moreover, if pineapple isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with other fruits, such as mango or peaches, for a tropical twist.
Don’t hesitate to add a variety of vegetables, too! Zucchini, snap peas, or even canned corn can be great additions. Each variation will provide a unique taste and texture, keeping your meals exciting. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly if you add tougher vegetables that require more time to soften.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken? Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken thighs that are cooked in a blend of sweet and tangy sauce along with vegetables and pineapple in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken? The cooking time is generally 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker, depending on your setting and the size of your chicken pieces.
Can I use different vegetables in Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots, to personalize the dish.
How do I store leftovers from Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken? Allow any leftovers to cool and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Can I make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken without sugar? Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with alternatives like honey or agave syrup, or simply reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch For coating the chicken
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil For browning the chicken
For the Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar Can be adjusted for sweetness
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon ground ginger
For the Vegetables
- 3 bell peppers, cut into large chunks (any color)
- 1 can pineapple chunks, undrained 8-ounce can
Optional Garnish
- sesame seeds For garnish
- sliced green onions For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the browned chicken into the slow cooker and add bell peppers and pineapple.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, onion powder, and ground ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, stirring gently.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Serving
- Serve the chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple over rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
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