Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both effortless and packed with vibrant flavors, this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. I love how it brings together the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes, all simmered gently in the slow cooker while you go about your day. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is so simple to pull off, making weeknight meals a breeze.

What makes this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe stand out for me is how the sauce develops rich depth without any complicated steps. Plus, using the slow cooker lets the chicken get incredibly tender and soak up all those pineapple-infused flavors. It’s especially great for busy days when you want a comforting meal ready the moment you walk in the door.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work hand-in-hand to create a luscious sauce and tender chicken, with fresh veggies adding color and texture. When you shop, try to pick ripe bell peppers and a good-quality pineapple chunk can — the juice plays a key role in the flavor.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting these into 1-inch pieces helps them cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Red and green bell peppers: They add fresh crunch and a pop of color, but you can adjust based on what you have on hand.
• Pineapple chunks in 100% juice: The juice is essential to that classic sweet and sour tang—don’t drain it!
• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy texture you expect.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tangy vinegar and ketchup.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives the sauce a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the sweetness.
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami flavor without overpowering.
• Ketchup: Adds color, body, and a touch of smoky sweetness.
• Garlic powder and ground ginger: These spices bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Simply to enhance all those delicious flavors.
• Cooked rice: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.
• Sliced green onions: For a fresh, mild onion crunch at the end.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it’s forgiving and versatile.

• Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat—I’ve found thighs stay moist and tender, especially if you like a richer flavor.
• Vegetables: Sometimes I add sliced carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients. It’s a simple way to boost the veggie factor.
• Low-carb option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a lighter meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little heat.

How to Make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Load Your Slow Cooker with Chicken and Veggies

Start by laying your cut chicken pieces right into the crockpot, along with the chopped red and green bell peppers, and pour in the entire can of pineapple chunks with juice. Give everything a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. This sets the stage for the magic the sauce is about to work.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk your cornstarch with honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger until smooth. This blend is what gives your chicken that signature sweet, tangy glaze. Pour it over your chicken and veggies in the slow cooker, then give everything a gentle stir to make sure it’s nicely coated.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow (or High if You’re in a Rush)

Set your slow cooker on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. I usually choose LOW because I like the chicken extra tender, but HIGH works great when time’s tight. About halfway through cooking, stir everything gently—this helps the sauce thicken evenly and prevents the cornstarch from settling.

Step 4: Finish and Taste

Once your chicken is tender and cooked through, give the sauce a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so if it feels a bit thin right out of the crockpot, don’t worry—it’s normal. Serve it piping hot over rice with some fresh green onions on top.

How to Serve Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I never skip the sliced green onions on top—they add such a fresh crunch and a mild oniony flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds too, especially when I want a nutty dimension.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m all about pairing this with fluffy steamed rice—it’s perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce. If I’m craving something green, a simple stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli works beautifully and keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive family dinner, I sometimes serve the sweet and sour chicken in hollowed-out pineapple halves—adds a fun tropical flair that everyone loves. Or, try spooning it over fried rice and topping with a fried egg for a heartier twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the rice separate so it stays fluffy and reheat only what I plan to eat to avoid drying out the chicken.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this dish a few times, and it holds up well. Just make sure to cool it completely before packing into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. Add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if the sauce is too thick. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’m so grateful for slow cooker recipes like this that deliver big flavors with minimal effort—and I think you’ll love how easy it is to make, yet so satisfying to eat. Give it a try next time you want a comforting dinner that still feels a bit special—trust me, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

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