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    Home » Slow Cooker

    Low Calorie Slow Cooker Sweet And Sour Chicken

    Published: December 27, 2019 - Last updated: September 25, 2023 by Erika

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    Low Calorie Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner at home. Stovetop instructions included!

    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
    • Stovetop Sweet And Sour Chicken
    • Storing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
    • Low Calorie Slow Cooker Sweet And Sour Chicken

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

    Low calorie 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.

    Sweet and sour chicken in a white bowl.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • This recipe is simple and straightforward, with just a few basic steps to follow.
    • 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.
    • Cooking this dish in a slow cooker is incredibly convenient, as you can set it and forget it.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the sweet and sour chicken.
    • 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 Substitute: 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

    Steps to make the 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!

    Chicken in a white bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for this recipe, as it's lean and cooks up tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
    • Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
    • 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 tidbits well before adding them to the slow cooker, as excess juice can make the sauce too watery.
    • 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: 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: 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: 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.

    Stovetop Sweet And Sour Chicken

    1. Chop the green and red bell peppers, as well as the yellow onion. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
    2. In a bowl, whisk together the sugar substitute (Monk Fruit Sweetener or Swerve Granular), orange juice, cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, and ginger paste to create the sauce.
    3. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
    4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender.
    5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture (from step 2) over the chicken and vegetables.
    6. Add the drained pineapple tidbits to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure that the ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
    7. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to come together.

    Storing

    Storing: If you have leftovers, 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: Store 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 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.

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    Thumbnail of low calorie sweet and sour chicken.

    Low Calorie Slow Cooker Sweet And Sour Chicken

    Erika
    Low calorie slow cooker sweet and sour chicken is a delicious dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner at home.
    4.95 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Slow Cooker
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 175 kcal

    Equipment

    • Crock-Pot Slow Cooker
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Utensil Set

    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-inch pieces
    • ⅓ cup sugar substitute I use Monk Fruit Sweetener or Swerve Granular
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
    • 20 ounces pineapple tidbits in juice drained

    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

    • 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 the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
    • 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 tidbits well before adding them to the slow cooker, as excess juice can make the sauce too watery.
    • 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 Low Calorie Sweet and Sour Chicken
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela Morris

      December 03, 2020 at 4:42 pm

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

      Reply
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. Katherine

      December 03, 2020 at 4:00 pm

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

      Reply
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. 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
    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. 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
    10. 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
    11. 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
    12. 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
    13. 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
    14. 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
    15. 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

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    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika! Simply Low Cal is the blog about DELICIOUS low calorie recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks that anyone can make. You will find plenty of healthy recipes for anyone. About Me

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