This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken is tender, juicy, and better than takeout. A simple dump-and-go slow cooker dinner made with pantry staples and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over rice for a family favorite meal save this recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – simple dump-and-go slow cooker meal
- Family-friendly – kid-approved flavors
- Budget-friendly – made with affordable pantry staples
- Customizable – serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned, drained, or fresh)
For the Sweet & Sour Sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Optional garnish: green onions or sesame seeds
Optional for serving: cooked white rice or jasmine rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add chopped bell pepper and pineapple chunks on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice and garnish as desired.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
Tips & Variations
- Chicken thighs: Swap breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Extra veggies: Add onions, snap peas, or carrots.
- Less sweet: Reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
- Make ahead: Prep ingredients the night before and refrigerate.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice
- Pair with fried rice or lo mein noodles
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for presentation
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken is an easy, comforting dinner that tastes better than takeout and requires almost no effort. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding the whole family. Don’t forget to save, print, or share this recipe for later.
FAQ Section
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, freeze cooked sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I make this ahead of time?
Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but cooking time may increase slightly.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch slurry added at the end thickens the sauce perfectly.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s mild. Add red pepper flakes if you want heat.