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Homemade Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken photo

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is EASY and flavorful! Tender chicken simmered in a tangy sauce with pineapple and bell peppers makes a perfect, hands-off meal.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or Spoon
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 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 onion diced into 1" pieces
  • 1/2 of a green bell pepper green bell pepper diced into 1" pieces (red bell pepper is a great alternative)

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Reduce sugars or substitute with coconut sugar for a lower sugar option.
  • Add extra Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to increase spiciness.
  • For vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Keyword chicken, Comfort Food, Easy, Slow Cooker, Sweet and Sour