If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is exactly what you need. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a vibrant, tangy sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, combined with fresh pineapple and bell peppers, make this dish a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a tasty dinner to come home to after a long day, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time, so you can focus on the things that matter most.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a dependable go-to for several reasons. First, the slow cooker method ensures the chicken cooks evenly, becoming tender and juicy without drying out. The sauce, a blend of brown sugar, granulated sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and tomato paste, is perfectly balanced to deliver authentic sweet and sour flavors. Using fresh pineapple and bell pepper adds brightness and texture, making the dish vibrant and satisfying. It’s also straightforward enough for beginners yet delicious enough for seasoned cooks, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Best of all, it’s a recipe that’s easy to customize to your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredient List

3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 lb), cut into 1″ – 1 1/2″ pieces
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 – 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple (fresh is best, but canned works too)
1/4 of an onion, diced into 1″ pieces
1/2 of a green bell pepper, diced into 1″ pieces (red bell pepper is a great alternative)

Tools of the Trade

Slow Cooker: Essential for gentle, even cooking and hands-off meal prep.
Knife and Cutting Board: To dice chicken, pineapple, onion, and bell peppers.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients before adding to the slow cooker.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements to balance flavors.
Whisk or Spoon: To mix the sauce until smooth.
Small Bowl: For mixing cornstarch with chicken broth to thicken the sauce.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1″ to 1 1/2″ in size. Dice the onion and bell pepper into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Also, chop your fresh pineapple to the same size for a consistent texture throughout the dish.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup chicken broth, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, low sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, ground ginger, freshly ground black pepper, and Sriracha hot sauce if using. Mix well until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and the sugars start to dissolve.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and pineapple on top of the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ingredients. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, but don’t worry about mixing too much.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, and the vegetables will be softened but still hold their shape.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1/3 cup chicken broth with 1/3 cup cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and continue cooking for the final 30 minutes. This step thickens the sauce to a glossy, luscious consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once thickened, give the dish a final stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa for a satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Adaptations for Special Diets

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar by half, or substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural option.
Spicy: Increase Sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Troubles You Can Avoid

Chicken turning dry: Avoid cooking on high for too long; slow and low is best for juicy chicken.
Sauce too thin: Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step; it’s key for that perfect thick sauce.
Vegetables too mushy: Dice veggies into larger pieces and add them halfway through cooking if you prefer more crunch.
Sauce too sweet or sour: Balance by adjusting sugar or vinegar gradually after tasting.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

For freezing, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir well to restore that perfect texture.

Ask the Chef

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they stay juicy and flavorful during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad also complement the bold flavors well.

Is it okay to use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple works in a pinch and still tastes delicious. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid adding extra liquid to the slow cooker, which could thin out the sauce.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

You can! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes. Don’t forget to use the cornstarch slurry after cooking to thicken the sauce.

Desserts to Finish

Easy Lemon Bars – Bright and zesty to contrast the savory meal.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – Rich, indulgent, and always a hit.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic cookies with a plant-based twist.
Coconut Macaroons – Chewy and sweet, perfect for a light finish.

Before You Go

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll return to time and again when you need a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal. Remember, the quality of ingredients and balancing flavors make all the difference, so don’t be afraid to tweak the sauce to your liking. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for company, this recipe delivers a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory every single time. Now, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of effortless cooking!

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken brings the best of takeout flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste. It’s a recipe that feels special but is easy enough for any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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