Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken
Try this Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- sesame seeds
- green onions
- 4 tablespoon cornstarch divided
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken cut into chunks (about 4 cups)
- 1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cups red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
- cooked white or brown rice
- Carbohydrate 25.5245640463456 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.53132359893387 g
- Fiber 2.84881260840691 g
- Protein 4.0584791921273 g
- Saturated Fat 0.357535390641125 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (298g)
- Sodium 128.791709672409 mg
- Sugar 22.6757514379386 g
- Trans Fat 0.210763472624338 g
- Calories 131 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken chunks in a large ziplock bag with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and the paprika. Shake until evenly coated.
- In a nonstick skillet brown half the chicken in 1 tablespoon oil for 1 minute, then transfer to a 3 qt. crock pot.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken and oil.
- Toss the onions on top.
- Drain the pineapple. Place the pineapple in a container and refrigerate for later.
- Stir together the pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and salt and pour over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Stir everything together.
- Cook on high heat for 3 hours or until meat is done.
- Combine the cornstarch and water and whisk until smooth.
- Stir into the chicken mixture.
- Add the reserved pineapple and red peppers.
- Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until sauce is thickened slightly.
- Serve over cooked rice.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken: My Go-To Weeknight Meal
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of crockpot recipes – they’re the ultimate time-saver! This Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken recipe is a perfect example. It's not only incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, leaving me with more time to focus on the things that truly matter: my family.
This recipe is a staple in my home. I love how versatile it is. Sometimes I’ll serve it over rice, as the recipe suggests. Other times, I’ll use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas for a fun twist. The sweet and sour sauce is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too sour – and it coats the chicken beautifully. The tender chicken combined with the juicy pineapple chunks and crunchy red peppers creates a delightful textural contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. And the best part? The crockpot does all the work! I simply toss everything in the pot in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked, aromatic dinner ready to serve. It’s the kind of recipe that makes even the most chaotic weeknights feel manageable.
The ingredients are simple and readily available at most grocery stores. I usually buy everything I need on my regular grocery run, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. It’s a budget-friendly meal too, which is always a bonus. And believe me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! My kids gobble it up, my husband raves about it, and even my picky mother-in-law has given it her seal of approval (a feat in itself!).
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing the Crockpot Life
My crockpot has become an indispensable part of my kitchen arsenal. It's not just about convenience; it's about creating a relaxed and enjoyable cooking experience. Instead of feeling stressed about dinner preparation, I can focus on other tasks, spend quality time with my family, or even sneak in a little "me time." The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating dishes that are far more flavorful than those cooked quickly on the stovetop. And the cleanup is a breeze! Most of the time, I just rinse the crockpot and it's ready for the next use. It's truly a kitchen miracle worker.
I encourage you to experiment with different variations of this recipe. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers. You could also adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness level to your liking. Or perhaps try using different types of protein like pork or tofu. The possibilities are endless! The beauty of crockpot cooking is its adaptability. It's a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity, and you don't have to be a chef to create something truly delicious.
Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Success:
- Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: Leave enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Use a liner: This makes cleanup a snap.
- Sear the meat (optional): Searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot will add a deeper flavor.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot and the size of your chicken pieces.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Seasoning is key to a delicious dish. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the flavors to your preference.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and time-saving dinner recipe, look no further than this Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken. It’s a weeknight winner that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
