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    Home » Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Published: December 27, 2019 - Last updated: February 26, 2023 by Erika

    slow cooker sweet and sour chicken thumbnail picture.
    Jump to Recipe
    Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken pin

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    Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. By using a slow cooker, the chicken is cooked to perfection and the flavors have plenty of time to blend together, resulting in a mouth-watering meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner at home.

    two bowls of sweet and sour chicken.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
    • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Check out my Pulled Chicken and my Beef Stew for more slow cooker dinner recipes!

    Slow cooker sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that is loved for its sweet and tangy flavor profile and tender, juicy chicken. One of the great things about this dish is that it can be made in a slow cooker, which makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

    It's a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.

    sweet and sour chicken in a white bowl.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to make. This recipe is simple and straightforward, with just a few basic steps to follow. It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
    • Delicious flavor. The sweet and sour sauce is the star of this dish, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that pairs perfectly with the tender chunks of chicken and colorful veggies. It's a crowd-pleasing flavor that everyone will love!
    • Slow cooker convenience. Cooking this dish in a slow cooker is incredibly convenient, as you can simply set it and forget it. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the result is a tender and flavorful meal that's ready when you are.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    sweet and sour chicken labeled ingredients.
    • Green Bell Pepper & Red Bell Pepper: These colorful veggies add a nice crunch and sweetness.
    • Onion: Adds a savory flavor and helps to round out the dish.
    • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: This lean protein is the star of the dish, and is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
    • Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweetness in the sweet and sour sauce, which is essential to the dish's flavor profile.
    • Orange Juice: Adds a bright citrus flavor to the dish, and also helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
    • Cornstarch: Used as a thickener for the sauce.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the tanginess in the sweet and sour sauce, and also helps to tenderize the chicken.
    • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor to the dish, and also adds some saltiness to balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
    • Ginger Paste: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish, and is a traditional ingredient in many Asian-inspired dishes.
    • Pineapple Tidbits: Chunks of juicy pineapple add a tropical sweetness.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    two image process making slow cooker sweet and sour chicken.

    Step 1:

    Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.

    Step 2:

    Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.

    Step 3:

    Serve the slow cooker sweet and sour chicken over rice or with your favorite side dish.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    close up view of sweet and sour chicken in a bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • Use chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for this recipe, as it's lean and cooks up tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you prefer, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
    • Cut chicken into even pieces. Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
    • Use a mix of bell peppers. Using both green and red bell peppers adds color and flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of peppers if you prefer, such as yellow or orange.
    • Drain the pineapple. Drain the pineapple tidbits well before adding them to the slow cooker, as excess juice can make the sauce too watery.
    • Thicken the sauce. If you find that the sauce is too thin, you can mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker. Be sure to stir well to prevent lumps.

    Variations

    • Vegetarian version: Instead of chicken, use firm tofu or a mix of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.
    • Pineapple-free version: If you're not a fan of pineapple, you can omit it from the recipe and still have a delicious sweet and sour chicken.
    • Instant Pot version: Instead of using a slow cooker, you can use an Instant Pot to make sweet and sour chicken in a fraction of the time. Cook the chicken on the sauté mode, then add the other ingredients and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

    Storing

    Storing: If you have leftover sweet and sour chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's heated through.

    Freezing: Sweet and sour chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Cook the chicken in a large skillet or wok until it's no longer pink, then add the vegetables and sauce and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

    Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple tidbits?

    Yes, fresh pineapple can be used in this recipe. Cut the pineapple into small chunks and add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

    Can I use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

    Yes, rice vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar adds a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor to the dish.

    Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

    Yes, you can add other vegetables to this recipe such as carrots, snow peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.

    More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love

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    slow cooker sweet and sour chicken thumbnail picture.

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Erika
    Slow cooker sweet and sour chicken is a delicious dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. By using a slow cooker, the chicken is cooked to perfection and the flavors have plenty of time to blend together, resulting in a mouth-watering meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner at home.
    4.95 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 5 mins
    Course Slow Cooker
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 175 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
    • Utensil Set, 3-Piece
    • Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 large green bell pepper chopped
    • 1 large red bell pepper chopped
    • ⅓ cup yellow onion chopped
    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
    • 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits in juice drained
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
    • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.

    Notes

    • Use chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for this recipe, as it's lean and cooks up tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you prefer, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
    • Cut chicken into even pieces. Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
    • Use a mix of bell peppers. Using both green and red bell peppers adds color and flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of peppers if you prefer, such as yellow or orange.
    • Drain the pineapple. Drain the pineapple tidbits well before adding them to the slow cooker, as excess juice can make the sauce too watery.
    • Thicken the sauce. If you find that the sauce is too thin, you can mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker. Be sure to stir well to prevent lumps.
    • Storing: If you have leftover sweet and sour chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's heated through.
    • Freezing: Sweet and sour chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 16gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 354mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken, sweet and sour chicken
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Patty at Spoonabilities

      December 27, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      This sounds like the perfect meal to come home to after a busy day!

      Reply
    2. Anita

      December 27, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      I have never tried preparing sweet and sour chicken in a slow cooker before, but I'm so going to try this since the usual way is way more involved than this. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Amanda

      December 27, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      I had never made sweet and sour chicken in the slow cooker before, but it was such a great idea! Made for super easy prep and it came out delicious.

      Reply
    4. Jessica Formicola

      December 27, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      I have this in the slow cooker right now and it smells amazing! I can't wait for dinner tonight!

      Reply
    5. kim

      December 27, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      Love this recipe! It's so easy and tasty! I'll definitely be making again and again!

      Reply
    6. Irina

      December 28, 2019 at 4:23 am

      Love your chicken recipe! It is a great, comfort food recipe for every day. It is what we all look for during busy weeks. AMAZING!

      Reply
    7. Adriana

      December 28, 2019 at 5:51 am

      This recipe is a lovely idea for using the slow cooker. Sweet and sour chicken is such a classic I am glad you are offering an alternative with fewer calories — perfect idea for the big game coming up soon.

      Reply
    8. Lou | Crumbs and Corkscrews

      December 28, 2019 at 11:27 am

      My slow cooker is one of my favourite appliances too, especially when it's cold and dark outside and you come home to the smell of something fabulous in the pot! I've never thought of doing sweet and sour in it before, so I'll definitely be adding this to my winter meal planner; it looks great!

      Reply
    9. Jacqueline Debono

      January 13, 2020 at 5:31 pm

      I love my slow cooker too! Best way to have a delicious dinner on the table without much effort. This sweet and sour chicken sounds really good. On my to make list!

      Reply
    10. Julia

      December 03, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      I love sweet and sour chicken but never thought of using slow cooker to make it! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

      Reply
    11. veenaazmanov

      December 03, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      Love the slow cooker option. Love this recipe and love the dish too. Looks unique and super yum.

      Reply
    12. Katherine

      December 03, 2020 at 4:00 pm

      Such a great idea to make this in the slow cooker! All those amazing flavors...

      Reply
    13. Jenn

      December 03, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      I can't get enough of this amazing recipe! My whole family loves the sweet and tangy flavor!

      Reply
    14. Natalie

      December 03, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      Lovely family dinner option. It looks so flavorful and delicious. Easy to make too. I will definitely make this for my family. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
    15. Angela Morris

      December 03, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      This sure is an easy way to make one of our family favorites!

      Reply

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    Welcome!

    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

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