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Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken - A Comforting, Takeout-Style Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Bell peppers: 2 medium (any color), chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • Pineapple: 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ketchup: 1/2 cup
  • Rice vinegar: 1/3 cup (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • Brown sugar: 1/3 cup, packed (adjust to taste)
  • Pineapple juice: Reserved from the can (about 3/4 cup; use all the juice)
  • Cornstarch: 2 to 3 tablespoons
  • Water: 2 to 3 tablespoons (for slurry)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Optional heat: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • To serve: Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, and sesame seeds or green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Trim and cut the chicken into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Layer the base: Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the slow cooker. Scatter the minced garlic over top.
  3. Add the chicken: Place the chicken pieces over the vegetables. Pour in the pineapple chunks and all the juice from the can.
  4. Whisk the sauce: In a bowl, stir together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add red pepper flakes if using. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or High for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Thicken the sauce: In the last 20 minutes, mix cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook until the sauce is glossy and thickened.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add salt, a splash more vinegar for tang, or a pinch of sugar for sweetness if needed.
  8. Serve: Spoon over hot rice. Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a nice finish.