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Easy Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken photo

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Tender chicken simmered in a sweet-and-sour sauce with pineapple and peppers, made easy in the slow cooker.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves about 1 1/2 lb, cut into 1"–1 1/2" pieces
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth for the sauce
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp Sriracha hot sauce optional
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth for slurry
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch for slurry
  • 3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple or canned if desired
  • 1/4 onion diced into 1" pieces (about 1/4 of an onion)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper diced into 1" pieces (about half a pepper); red pepper may be used

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Place the cut chicken pieces in the slow cooker in an even layer.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup chicken broth, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and Sriracha (if using) until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, pressing the chicken down so it is covered by the sauce.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. About 20–30 minutes before serving, whisk together 1/3 cup chicken broth and 1/3 cup cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth to make a slurry.
  6. Gently fold the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker mixture, then add the diced pineapple, diced onion, and diced bell pepper.
  7. Cover and cook on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens and the fruit and vegetables are slightly tender.
  8. Serve warm over white or brown rice.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for best flavor.
  • Adjust Sriracha to control heat level.
  • Stir gently when adding slurry to avoid breaking the chicken.