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Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 134 reviews

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast cooked slowly with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, all smothered in a tangy and sweet homemade sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors come together in a convenient slow cooker meal that’s easy to prepare and delivers a classic favorite with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks

Sauce Ingredients

  • ½ cup vinegar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup

Optional Thickener

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, dissolved in water)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Place the cubed chicken breast, chopped green and red bell peppers, chopped onion, and pineapple chunks directly into the crockpot, layering them evenly.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Whisk together until the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well blended.
  3. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the crockpot, ensuring everything is coated.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables are soft.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker 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. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, stir gently to combine, and serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Adjust vinegar and brown sugar quantities to balance sweetness and tartness to your preference.
  • Using chicken thighs instead of breast will result in a juicier dish.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Adding pineapple juice can enhance the pineapple flavor if desired.
  • Make sure to dissolve cornstarch well in cold water before adding to avoid lumps.

Keywords: sweet and sour chicken, crockpot recipes, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, Chinese takeout copycat