Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a glossy sweet and sour pineapple sauce. This easy crockpot sweet and sour chicken tastes better than takeout and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil optional for browning
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks with juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger minced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- ½ onion chopped
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions Chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Optional Browning Step
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken for 2–3 minutes. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine pineapple with juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir until smooth.
Add to Crockpot
- Place chicken, chopped bell pepper, and onion into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over everything and stir gently.
Cook
- Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4–6 hours
- HIGH for 2–3 hours
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Thicken the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the crockpot during the last 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast.
- Add vegetables during the last hour if you prefer them crisp.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing brown sugar.
- For a spicy version, add chili flakes or sriracha.
Nutrition
Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
