Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from sales. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

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.

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.

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

• 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

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!

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

More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

Click here to download my FREE kitchen cheat sheets.