Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Introduction

Experience a delightful twist on a classic recipe with this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight. Combining a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, it offers you more time to enjoy with your loved ones while the magic happens in the kitchen.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 2.5cm pieces
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into 2.5cm pieces
– 150g pineapple chunks, with 100ml of the juice reserved
– 100g brown sugar
– 100ml soy sauce
– 60ml white vinegar
– 60ml ketchup
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 60ml water
– 30g cornstarch
– 20ml vegetable oil

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

– Cook Time: 4 hours
– Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
– Yield: 4 servings

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

Step 2: Transfer Chicken to Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and the reserved pineapple juice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Pineapple

Add the pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Cook the Dish

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 7: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Replace the lid and allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 9: Serve the Dish

Once cooked, give the mixture a final stir and serve hot over cooked rice, if desired. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight!

Notes

Cook Time Variations

If you are short on time, use the high setting for a quicker preparation, knowing it may affect the tenderness of the chicken.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh side salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s available. Broccoli or snap peas would also be great additions.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with additional pineapple slices or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 750mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 23g

Ingredient Substitutions

– Chicken: Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
– Bell Peppers: Use any color of bell pepper, or replace them with sliced zucchini or snap peas for a different taste.
– Pineapple: Fresh pineapple can replace canned pineapple for a more natural flavor; alternatively, use mango for a tropical twist.
– Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos.
– Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or honey can be used in place of brown sugar; adjust to taste.
– Ketchup: Tomato paste mixed with a little sugar and vinegar can serve as a substitute if needed.
– Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Cook techniques

Browning the Chicken

Browning the chicken pieces in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor. This step caramelizes the surface of the chicken, creating a richer taste and texture.

Creating the Sauce

Mixing the brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice in a bowl helps dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors before pouring it over the chicken.

Layering Ingredients

Adding the pineapple and bell peppers on top of the chicken and sauce allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors while ensuring even cooking.

Using a Cornstarch Slurry

The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce towards the end of the cooking process, providing a glossy finish and a desirable consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serving the Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight over cooked rice allows you to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a complete meal.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it cooks through.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure any other ingredients used are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or quinoa, as well as a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Savor the exquisite flavors of the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Delight, a dish that masterfully combines sweetness and tanginess in every bite. It offers not only a burst of delightful tastes but also the convenience of slow cooking, freeing up your time to spend with family. A true crowd-pleaser, this dish is a wonderful addition to your week’s meal plan, making dinner both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Swap out chicken for shrimp in the same sweet and sour sauce for a light and satisfying seafood option.

Vegetable Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry

For a vegetarian twist, stir-fry a colorful assortment of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms, in the sweet and sour sauce.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Substitute chicken with diced pork tenderloin, adding a hearty flavor to this classic dish while keeping it equally delicious.

Teriyaki Chicken Delight

Modify the dish by using teriyaki sauce instead of sweet and sour sauce for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish.

Chili Garlic Chicken

Add a kick by incorporating chili garlic sauce along with the original ingredients, perfect for those who love a bit of spice.

Fruit-Infused Sweet and Sour Chicken

Incorporate additional fruits such as mango or peaches along with the pineapple for a fruity twist that elevates the dish.

Sweet and Sour Quinoa Bowl

Serve the delicious sweet and sour chicken over a bed of quinoa instead of rice for a nutritious and filling meal.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Create meatballs using ground meat of your choice and simmer them in the sweet and sour sauce for a fun twist on the traditional recipe.