Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with tangy-sweet pineapple, bell peppers, and a perfectly balanced sauce, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Thighs remain tender during slow cooking.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch Used to coat the chicken for better texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the chicken.
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar Adjust for sweetness according to taste.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 large bell peppers, cut into large chunks Mix and match colors for variety.
- 1 8-ounce can pineapple chunks, undrained Sweetness from the pineapple enhances flavor.
- to taste sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl or a sealable plastic bag, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper until thoroughly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about three minutes on each side until browned.
- Drain excess oil from the pan and transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and undrained pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, onion powder, and ground ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, peppers, and pineapple in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving
- Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Provide extra sauce on the side for drizzling.
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Notes
For best results, use chicken thighs for juiciness. Mix bell peppers for color and flavor variety. Optional: Add jalapeños or sriracha for heat. Stir before serving for even flavor distribution.