Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Chinese recipes are great for busy people who want tasty meals without a lot of work. You can set your crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you have a delicious home-cooked meal. It is also a cheaper and healthier option than takeout.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- In the crockpot, place the chopped chicken thighs at the bottom.
- Add the chopped bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and onions on top of the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- If you want it thicker, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl and stir it into the crockpot. Cook for another 30 minutes on high.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Sweet and Sour Chicken
Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
- For extra crunch, add some cashews or peanuts at the end before serving.
- If you like more sauce, simply double the ingredients in the sauce.
- You can use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer lean meat.
Variation
You can replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different version. You can also switch out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as broccoli or carrots.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour for best results.
2. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mix for extra heat.
3. Is it okay to skip the cornstarch?
Yes, you can skip the cornstarch if you prefer a thinner sauce, but it will not be as thick. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
17 Delicious Crockpot Chinese Recipes That Beat Takeout
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Forks
Ingredients
General
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 0.25 cup water
- green onions, sliced for garnish
Spice Blend
- 0.05 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the crockpot and stir until thickened.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and toss to coat with the thickened sauce.
Serving
- Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a complete meal.