Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that combines savory, tangy, and sweet flavors in a delightful harmony. Making this dish in a slow cooker not only enhances its flavors but also makes the cooking process incredibly convenient. With the addition of honey, this version brings an extra layer of sweetness that balances perfectly with the tanginess of the vinegar and the umami of soy sauce. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
For this delicious and easy-to-make sweet and sour chicken, you will need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables: Begin by chopping the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks.
- Cut the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the chicken pieces, chopped bell peppers, chopped onion, and pineapple chunks.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all pieces are coated with the sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Set the Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy.
- Check for Doneness: Check the chicken pieces for doneness. They should be cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Prepare the Slurry: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add the Slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey to 1/3 cup.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.
- Pineapple Options: Both fresh and canned pineapple work well in this recipe. If using canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay moist and tender during cooking.
Can I make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to increase the heat level.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze sweet and sour chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make this dish keto-friendly, substitute the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, ensure the ketchup and soy sauce are low-carb versions or use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
This Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Chicken with Honey is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables coated in a delicious sauce.
We hope you enjoy this sweet and sour chicken recipe. If you try it, leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!
