Introduction
Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether served over rice or noodles, this meal is a hit for families and gatherings alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, with juice
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4-5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step is to sear the chicken; it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, onion powder, and ground ginger until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine in Slow Cooker
Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Add the red and green bell peppers and the entire can of pineapple chunks, including the juice.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
Step 6: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 7: Stir and Serve
Once cooked, stir the mixture to combine the sauce with the chicken and vegetables. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Cut
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is recommended for tender and flavorful results.
Note 2: Cooking Time Variation
Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness.
Note 3: Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complement the dish.
Note 4: Garnishing
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add a nice decorative touch and enhance the dish’s flavor.
Cook techniques
Coating Chicken with Cornstarch
To achieve a crispy texture, coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch. This will help to create a nice crust when searing.
Searing Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the coated chicken pieces. Searing will lock in the juices and improve the flavor before slow cooking.
Preparing the Sauce
Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, onion powder, and ground ginger in a bowl until smooth. This forms the base of the dish, providing the sweet and tangy flavors.
Slow Cooking
Transfer the browned chicken and vegetables to a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Cooking on low for 4-5 hours ensures that the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
Combining Ingredients
After cooking, stir the mixture to combine the sauce with the chicken and vegetables for an even distribution of flavors before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, thighs generally provide more moisture and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a bit more cooking time if using from chilled.
What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice or noodles, but you can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
Conclusion
This sweet and sour chicken recipe highlights the perfect balance of flavors with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a delicious glaze that complements the savory ingredients beautifully. Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and mouthwatering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet and Sour Pork
Swap the chicken for pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops for a variation that pairs well with the sweet and tangy sauce.
Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu
Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Marinate and pan-sear the tofu before adding it to the slow cooker.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp separately and add them to the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Combine chicken with broccoli and a similar sweet and sour sauce for a quick stovetop meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Rice Bowl with Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Form meatballs from ground beef or turkey and slow-cook them in the same sauce for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Skewers
Thread marinated chicken and bell peppers onto skewers and grill for a tasty outdoor meal that’s perfect for summer.
