Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving something delicious and easy? Then this slow cooker sweet and sour chicken recipe is your new best friend! It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Forget takeout – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality sweet and sour chicken with minimal effort. It's one of those quick dinner ideas that's perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple in our household.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, pineapple, onion, and bell pepper.
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Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour & Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure everything is well coated.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
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Serve: Serve the sweet and sour chicken over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Tips for the Best Sweet & Sour Chicken:
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon or two more of brown sugar. For a more tangy sauce, add a tablespoon more of rice vinegar.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snow peas. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with pork, beef, or tofu for a different twist. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 5-10g
This delicious and easy sweet and sour chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a potluck contribution, or a simple family dinner. It's a healthy alternative to takeout, showcasing the best of homemade cooking, and it's one of those easy recipes that's guaranteed to become a new favorite. Enjoy!