Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors all mingled with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, then you’re going to love this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken. This recipe is a total game-changer for busy days because it lets the slow cooker do all the magic, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth chicken bathed in a luscious, colorful sauce that feels like a warm, comforting hug. Trust me, once you try this take on Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken, it will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed dish. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and savory depth.

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Lean and tender, chicken breast absorbs flavors beautifully without overpowering the sauce.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch that contrasts the sweetness.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Provides color and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the dish visually and flavor-wise.
• 1 onion, chopped: Offers a savory base and caramelizes gently as it cooks, deepening the flavor profile.
• 1 cup pineapple chunks: Brings the quintessential sweet and tart punch essential to classic sweet and sour dishes.
• ½ cup vinegar: Adds the necessary tang to balance the brown sugar’s sweetness.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Provides rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pineapple perfectly.
• ¼ cup soy sauce: Introduces salty, umami notes that amplify every other flavor.
• 1 tbsp ketchup: Enhances the color and adds a slight tomato tang to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the sauce if you prefer it a little more clingy and rich.

How to Make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Ingredients

Start by placing the cubed chicken breast at the bottom of your crockpot, then add the chopped green and red bell peppers along with the onion and the pineapple chunks. This layering ensures the chicken stays juicy while the veggies maintain their texture.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Stir it until the sugar dissolves and everything is well blended. This simple yet flavorful sauce is the heart of your Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken, delivering that perfect balance of sweet tanginess and savory depth.

Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken and Veggies

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Ensure that everything is coated well, so every bite bursts with flavor once cooked.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Patience here rewards you with chicken so tender it practically falls apart and veggies bursting with juice and flavor.

Step 5: Optional Thickening of Sauce

If you prefer a thicker, more glaze-like sauce, dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step is totally optional but highly recommended for that restaurant-style finish.

How to Serve Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and bursts of flavor that complement the saucy chicken beautifully. Even a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro can brighten up the dish and elevate its presentation.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. For a healthier spin, serve alongside quinoa or even cauliflower rice to keep the meal light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken in lettuce wraps for a refreshing, handheld meal. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of crispy noodles or use it as a filling for soft bao buns to impress guests with a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal next-day lunch or quick dinner option.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to ensure the chicken stays tender and the sauce doesn’t overcook. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender even after slow cooking, plus they add a deeper flavor that’s delicious with the sweet and sour sauce.

Is it necessary to use ketchup in the sauce?

Ketchup contributes a subtle tomato tang and enhances the color of the sauce, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with tomato paste mixed with a bit of water or simply omit it for a slightly different flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken gluten-free, swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Snap peas, carrots, or even chunks of zucchini would work well and add more color and texture, just be mindful of their cooking times so they don’t become too mushy.

What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this on the stove?

You can! Simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered pot on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour until the chicken is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is one of those joyful meals that brings people together around the dinner table with its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth. It’s effortless to put together yet impressive taste-wise, making it my go-to when I want a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with your new favorite crockpot creation!

Print