Sweet And Sour Chicken (Crock-Pot)
Tender chicken and vibrant vegetables are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for a flavorful, family-friendly meal served over hot rice.
Ingredients
- 6 medium carrots, cut in 1/2-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 chicken breasts, cut lengthwise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) jar sweet-sour sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cold water ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place carrots, green pepper, and onion in the crock-pot.
- Top with chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt.
- Pour sweet-sour sauce and drained pineapple chunks over all.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
- Remove chicken, keeping warm.
- Blend cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the juices in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
- Season to taste and serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half the sweet-sour sauce and add a splash of soy sauce for depth. Ensure to cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking, similar to how you would in Stir-Fry Chicken With Vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Chicken over a bed of fluffy hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. It also goes well with Fried Noodles(Makes 6 Servings) for a heartier dinner option. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure to defrost it in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken (Crock-Pot) contains roughly 774 calories, with 43g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (274% of the Daily Value), protein (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1270mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need a longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If using frozen chicken, consider cooking on high for 4 to 5 hours instead.
What can I substitute for the sweet-sour sauce?
If you don't have sweet-sour sauce, you can mix equal parts of ketchup and vinegar with a bit of sugar to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, a homemade sauce with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and sugar can work well.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli. Just remember to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking, similar to many Chicken recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).