Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken is loaded with tender chunks of chicken, juicy pineapple, crunchy bell peppers and a sweet and tangy sauce that will have your taste buds singing.

This dish is a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner. We can’t get enough Slow Cooker Recipes!

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Make this Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe for dinner this week.

Just dump in the ingredients in the morning and you’ll be ready for a fabulous family meal at night!

One of my all-time favorite Asian dishes is sweet and sour chicken. I just love how the two flavors come together, complimenting each other perfectly. I’m salivating just thinking about this dish. I can’t help it!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Here’s why you’ll love the Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe:

• Effortless Prep: With ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, pineapple and a homemade sauce, this dish is both easy and full of flavor.
• Flavorful Sauce: The sauce blends brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch for a sweet and tangy profile.
• Tender Chicken: Cooking on low for 3-4 hours ensures the chicken becomes tender and infused with flavor.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like onions or carrots to suit your taste.
• Versatile Serving: Pair with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

This recipe will become your new go-to comfort food option!

What Does Sweet and Sour Chicken Taste Like

Sweet and sour chicken has a delicious balance of flavors: the sweetness from sugar or pineapple contrasts with the tangy, slightly acidic taste from vinegar or citrus, while the chicken itself is savory and often crispy.

The result is a crispy, flavorful bite that’s both tangy and sugary, with a satisfying mix of textures and bright, bold flavors.

Where Is Sweet and Sour Chicken From

Sweet and sour chicken originated in China, specifically from Cantonese cuisine in the Guangdong region.

It was later adapted by Chinese-American and Chinese-British restaurants, becoming a popular dish in Western countries with a slightly sweeter, often deep-fried version that differs from the traditional stir-fried style in China.

What to Pair With Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

This sweet and tangy slow cooker pineapple chicken pairs best with meals that are light, fresh, and slightly savory to complement the tropical flavors and savory sauce.

Meals It Pairs Well With:

• Steamed or fried rice: Classic jasmine or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and balances the sweetness.
• Quinoa or couscous: Nutty grains provide a hearty, protein-packed base that complements the tender chicken.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add a crisp, earthy contrast to the sweet pineapple and savory sauce.
• Asian-inspired noodle dishes: Simple lo mein or rice noodles work as a neutral canvas for the flavorful chicken.
• Light salads: A side salad with citrus vinaigrette or greens adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.

Paired with a fresh, simple side, this pineapple chicken becomes a complete, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients

To make this super yummy crock pot sweet and sour chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• garlic
• fresh ginger
• chicken broth
• tamari or low sodium soy sauce
• dark soy sauce (or brown sugar)
• honey (can also use brown sugar)
• apple cider vinegar
• ketchup
• sesame oil
• black pepper
• sea salt
• pineapple chunks
• red bell pepper
• green bell pepper

Sauce slurry:

• cool water
• cornstarch

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here are the essential kitchen tools you need to make this sweet and savory slow cooker chicken with pineapple and bell peppers.

• Slow cooker: to gently cook the chicken and sauce until tender and flavorful.
• Nonstick cooking spray: to coat the slow cooker insert and prevent sticking.
• Cutting board: for prepping the chicken, garlic, ginger, pineapple, and bell peppers.
• Sharp knife: to mince aromatics and cut chicken and vegetables into pieces.
• Medium mixing bowl: to whisk together the sauce ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Small mixing bowl: to combine the cornstarch and water slurry.
• Whisk: for smoothly mixing the sauce and slurry without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accurately measuring liquids, sauces, and seasonings.
• Tongs or two forks: to shred or break apart the cooked chicken.
• Serving spoon or ladle: for stirring the sauce and serving the finished dish.

With these tools ready, this slow cooker meal comes together easily and delivers a comforting, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick coating spray.

Step 2: Place chicken inside the slow cooker.

Step 3: In a medium bowl whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, honey, vinegar, tomato paste, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and black pepper.

Step 4: Pour sauce over chicken and push chicken down making sure chicken is covered with sauce.

Step 5: Cover slow cooker with lid and cook chicken on low heat for 5-7 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.

Step 6: Tear or shred chicken apart with two forks into chunks if you are using whole chicken breasts.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

Step 8: Pour in to slow cooker and whisk gently with chicken mixture.

Step 9: Gently fold in pineapple chunks and bell pepper.

Step 10: Cook mixture on high for an additional 20 minutes until sauce thickens and the pineapples and bell peppers are slightly tender.

 

Step 11: Season to taste with salt. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Step 12: Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

Enjoy this crock pot sweet and sour chicken recipe with your family! It’s the perfect sit-down dinner.

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