Introduction
Sweet and sour chicken is a beloved dish that brings together harmonious flavors in a satisfying way. This recipe makes use of tender chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple, all simmered in a delightful sweet and tangy sauce. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish allows for easy preparation and a delicious meal that can be served over rice or noodles.
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
1 cup ketchup
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, undrained
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 to 6 people
This recipe provides a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the slow cooker. Serve it up and watch your family and friends enjoy this sweet and sour creation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Chicken
In a large bowl or sealable plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step is to brown the chicken, not to cook it through.
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.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Add the red and green bell peppers and the undrained pineapple chunks.
Pour Sauce Over Ingredients
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
Cook in Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Mix Before Serving
Once cooked, stir the mixture to combine the sauce with the chicken and vegetables.
Serve the Dish
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Choosing Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor.
Cornstarch Coating
Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps to create a nice texture and allows the sauce to adhere better.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a salad for a lighter option.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Coating Chicken Pieces
In a large bowl or sealable plastic bag, mix chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This technique helps to create a crispy texture when frying.
Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat before adding the coated chicken. Cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a nice color.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, onion powder, and ground ginger until smooth. This combines all the flavors for the sweet and sour sauce.
Layering in the Slow Cooker
Place browned chicken, bell peppers, and undrained pineapple chunks into the slow cooker. This ensures that the flavors meld together during the cooking process.
Slow Cooking
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This method allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the sauce’s rich flavor.
Final Mixing
Once cooked, stir the mixture to combine the sauce with the chicken and vegetables before serving. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary as breast meat can dry out more quickly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar and use low-sodium soy sauce to make the dish healthier while still retaining the sweet and sour flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can include other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and texture.
Conclusion
Enjoying this sweet and sour chicken offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying meal. The tender chicken paired with the vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks, all enveloped in a sweet, tangy sauce, creates a dish that is both comforting and appetizing. Whether served over rice or noodles, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and those of your family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Combine bite-sized chicken pieces with a homemade teriyaki sauce, bell peppers, and snap peas for a quick and flavorful stir-fry.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Substitute shrimp for the chicken in this recipe and add some sliced carrots and red onion for a seafood twist on the classic dish.
Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu
Replace chicken with firm tofu, and include a variety of vegetables such as zucchini and broccoli for a plant-based version.
BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Thread chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers onto skewers, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill for a summer treat.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Use a honey garlic sauce in place of the sweet and sour sauce for a different flavor profile that still highlights the delicious chicken and vegetables.
