Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Homemade sweet and sour chicken. No need to order takeout with this easy delicious slow cooker version.
Homemade sweet and sour chicken. No need to order takeout with this easy delicious slow cooker version.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- cooking oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves (minced)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, ( cu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for paleo friendl
- 2 sweet bell peppers (i used 1 red 1 green, deseeded and cut into 1)
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce (use gluten free tamari or c
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (or ketchup)
- 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (leave out if you can't find this)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder + 3 tablespoons c
- cooked rice (or quinoa or rice noodles)
- lunch containers
- Carbohydrate 3.87207666629432 g
- Cholesterol 38.3333333333333 mg
- Fat 16.9900433333232 g
- Fiber 0.395416660336401 g
- Protein 9.68399166661189 g
- Saturated Fat 3.40696422222048 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (209g)
- Sodium 90.9076110005951 mg
- Sugar 3.47666000595792 g
- Trans Fat 1.11491488888613 g
- Calories 207 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large zip-top bag, toss in the chicken, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Shake until well-coated. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce, set aside.
My Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've fallen in love with my slow cooker – it's become my secret weapon for whipping up incredible meals with minimal effort. This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a perfect example. It's incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and requires almost no active cooking time. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving me free to focus on the other demands of my day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated chopping or precise measurements needed. Simply toss the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then whisk together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! While the chicken simmers away, I can get other things done – catching up on emails, helping with homework, or even squeezing in a short workout. By the time dinner rolls around, the house is filled with the enticing aroma of sweet and sour goodness, and a delicious, ready-to-serve meal awaits.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor: The sweet and sour sauce is perfectly balanced, with a delightful tang and sweetness.
- Versatility: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day!
- Healthy(ish): While it's not a diet meal, it's definitely healthier than takeout and can be adapted to suit your dietary needs (e.g., using arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch).
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Meal prep: Cook a large batch on the weekend and enjoy quick and easy meals throughout the week.
This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe has become a staple in my family’s dinner rotation. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to make, even on the busiest of days. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
