The mouthwatering aroma of my Easy Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken wafts through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to cozy family dinners. With its vibrant colors and irresistibly tangy flavors, this dish brings a delightful twist to your weeknight meals, effortlessly rivaling your favorite take-out. One of the best things about this crockpot recipe is the nearly hands-off cooking—it takes just minutes to prep while the slow cooker works its magic, giving you more time to unwind with your loved ones. Plus, it’s not only family-friendly but also a healthier alternative compared to the usual fast food fare. Ready to discover how easy and delicious homemade meals can be? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe! Why Choose Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken? Convenience: This recipe offers a hands-off approach, allowing you to pop everything in the crockpot and forget about it until dinner time. Perfect for busy weeknights! Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy sauce infuses the chicken with mouthwatering flavor, making every bite a delight. Healthy Alternative: With fresh ingredients and lower sodium options, you can enjoy your favorite take-out flavors without the guilt. Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, ensuring even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. Customization: Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables or substitute proteins like tofu for a personal twist. Add some steamed rice or noodles, and you’re all set! If you crave more comforting flavors, check out my Chicken Dumplings Comforting for another easy recipe the whole family will love! Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken Chicken Breast – The primary protein source; cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking. Cornstarch – Creates a light coating for the chicken, enhancing texture; substitute with flour if unavailable. Eggs – Binds the cornstarch to the chicken, helping to create a crispy exterior once browned. For the Sauce Sweet and Sour Sauce – The key flavor component; combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup for balance. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version. For Serving Rice (White or Brown) – Serves as a base for the dish; using a rice cooker will yield the fluffiest results. Fresh Pineapple (optional) – Adds a delightful sweetness; perfect for incorporating during cooking for enhanced flavor. This delightful Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken is sure to become a family favorite, offering convenience and taste all in one dish! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by cutting your chicken breast into 1-inch chunks, ensuring even cooking throughout. In a bowl, coat the chicken with cornstarch, making sure every piece is covered. Then, whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into the egg mixture until fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy exterior once browned. Step 2: Brown the Chicken In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Carefully place the coated chicken chunks into the pan, allowing them to brown for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally, until each piece is golden and caramelized. This will seal in the juices and flavor, enhancing your Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken once it’s finished cooking. Step 3: Mix the Sauce While the chicken is browning, take a medium mixing bowl and combine the sweet and sour sauce ingredients: sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This flavorful sauce is the star of your dish, ensuring a perfect balance between sweet and tangy in your Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken. Step 4: Combine in Crockpot Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to your crockpot. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken, mixing everything together to coat the pieces evenly. Ensure that no chicken is left exposed; this will help them absorb the fantastic flavors while cooking. Set up your crockpot for the next step! Step 5: Cook the Chicken Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3 hours, or on high for 1.5 hours. As it cooks, the chicken will become tender and soak in the sweet and tangy sauce. You know it’s ready when the chicken pieces are cooked through and easily shred with a fork, giving you that perfect texture for your Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken. Step 6: Serve When the cooking time is up, give the dish a gentle stir to mix in the sauce before serving. Present your delicious Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken over fluffy white or brown rice, or even noodles for a heartier option. If you like, garnish with fresh pineapple or steamed veggies for an extra pop of flavor and color! Tips for the Best Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Perfect Browning: Always brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Skipping this step can lead to a bland flavor; that caramelized surface is essential for depth. Vegetable Add-Ins: For a colorful nutrient boost, add bell peppers or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Smooth Coating: To avoid clumps when coating your chicken, ensure a thorough dusting with cornstarch first before dipping in eggs. It’s key for a crispy finish. Let It Rest: Once cooked, allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully in your Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Variations Feel free to explore exciting twists and substitutions to make this dish truly your own! Pork or Tofu: Substitute pork tenderloin or firm tofu for chicken for a different protein option that still delivers great flavor. Extra Veggies: Toss in vibrant bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add color and nutrition. Different Vinegars: Experiment with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to change the tangy profile of your sweet and sour sauce. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for an enjoyable spicy twist that elevates the dish’s flavor profile. Pineapple Variations: Use canned pineapple chunks or a mix of other fruits like mango to sweeten and brighten up your dish. Healthy Swap: Opt for cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb and nutrient-packed alternative that accompanies the dish beautifully. Asian Flavors: Add a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth, turning your meal into a gourmet experience. Noodle Option: Serve over lo mein or udon noodles instead of rice, creating a delightful change that still feels familiar and comforting. If you love comforting flavors, you might also enjoy my Napa Chicken Salad for a fresh take on family favorites! What to Serve with Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Dive into a world of flavors and textures that perfectly elevate your homemade dinner. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its aromatic qualities complement the vibrant flavors of the chicken, providing a soft base to soak up the scrumptious sauce. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots adds crunch and freshness, creating a lively contrast to the tender chicken. Egg Fried Rice: This flavorful side brings an extra layer of richness, making it perfect for mixing with the sweet and sour sauce. The eggs enhance the dish’s protein content as well. Crispy Spring Rolls: Filled with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce, they bring a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the chicken. Garlic Noodles: Their savory essence makes a delicious pairing, emphasizing the sweet and tangy profile of the chicken while enhancing the overall meal experience. Fresh Pineapple Salsa: A refreshing twist, this fruity salsa brightens the dish, echoing the pineapple in the chicken and adding a pop of color and zest. Chilled Green Tea: Its subtle flavors cleanse the palate, making every bite of the sweet and sour chicken feel fresh and invigorating. Enjoy creating a delightful meal that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor—perfect for any family night! Make Ahead Options Planning ahead with this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken can save you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prep the chicken and coat it with cornstarch and eggs up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can mix the sweet and sour sauce and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. On the day of cooking, just brown the prepared chicken, combine it with the stored sauce in your crockpot, and let it work its magic. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade meal, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor, just as if you had made it fresh! Storage Tips for Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the dish to cool before sealing to avoid condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture and flavor. Serving Suggestions: Serve with freshly steamed rice or noodles to elevate your meal. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking. You can also use thighs for a juicier option, but ensure they are trimmed of excess fat. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it to maintain its delicious flavor and prevent condensation. Can I freeze Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken? Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender. What if my sauce is too thin? If you find your sauce is thinner than you’d like, try thickening it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will give your sauce a thicker, more appealing texture. Is this recipe safe for my pets? While the ingredient list is generally safe, it’s best to avoid sharing this dish with pets, particularly due to the high sodium content from soy sauce and any added sugars. Always check ingredients for harmful substances before sharing any human food with your furry friends. Can I customize the vegetables in this dish? Very! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly without losing their crunch! Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken: Easy Comfort for Busy Nights Enjoy this delicious Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken, a healthier alternative to take-out that combines convenience with amazing flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 3 hours hrsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AsianCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Chicken Breast cut into 1-inch chunks1/2 cup Cornstarch can substitute with flour2 large EggsFor the Sauce1 cup Sweet and Sour Sauce combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchupFor Serving2 cups Rice use white or brown1 cup Fresh Pineapple optional, adds sweetness Equipment CrockpotSauté panMixing Bowl Method Preparation StepsBegin by cutting your chicken breast into 1-inch chunks and coat with cornstarch. Dip into whisked eggs until fully coated.In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add a splash of oil and brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes.Mix the sweet and sour sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.Transfer the browned chicken to the crockpot and pour the sauce over, mixing to coat.Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours until chicken is cooked through.Give a gentle stir to mix sauce before serving over rice or noodles. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesFor the best flavor, brown the chicken before adding to the crockpot and consider adding vegetables like bell peppers towards the end of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
