slow cooker sweet and sour chicken recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best slow cooker sweet and sour chicken recipe

I’ve always been a fan of Chinese cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes to make at home is sweet and sour chicken. This slow cooker recipe is a game-changer – it’s so easy to make and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish.

My family loves when I make this recipe, and it’s also great for packing lunches or snacks. I love how the slow cooker does all the work for me, so I can just come home to a hot, delicious meal. The sweet and sour sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of crunch from the vegetables.

It’s a classic Chinese flavor combination that never goes out of style. Plus, using boneless chicken breasts makes it leaner than traditional fried chicken dishes. I like to serve this with some steamed broccoli on the side for a well-rounded meal.

It’s also super healthy – low in calories and high in protein. And let me tell you, my kids devour this dish in seconds! It’s also great for leftovers – we often have this for lunch the next day or even freeze it for later.

I’ve tried other slow cooker recipes before, but this one never fails to impress. The flavors meld together perfectly and the texture is always spot-on. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

4.9 from 927 votes

This slow cooker sweet and sour chicken features tender chicken pieces in a tangy and sweet sauce. The dish is simple to prepare and cooks low and slow for a flavorful meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Vegetables and Garnish

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 green onions, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and toss with 1/2 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
2Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned on all sides, working in batches if needed.
3Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
5Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6Cover and cook on low for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7Add the red and green bell pepper pieces and pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.
8Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture and cook on high for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the peppers are tender-crisp.
9Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
10Serve the sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large bowl
Small bowl
Skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry to 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water. You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but reduce cooking time to 2.5 hours on low to prevent dryness.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Works

This slow cooker sweet and sour chicken is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it fits almost any occasion, from a busy weeknight to a family gathering where everyone wants something they recognize.

The slow cooker does the work while I get on with everything else, and the sauce comes out balanced enough that both kids and adults go back for seconds.

If you need a dependable main dish that feeds a crowd without keeping you in the kitchen, this is the one I reach for.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Q: What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re leaner than thighs and cook up nice and tender.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you prefer. Just thaw them first before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe is super quick to prepare – just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and you’re good to go!

Q: Can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can reduce or omit the sugar altogether if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains chicken and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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