his Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken is tangy, sweet, and effortlessly delicious. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and come home to a flavorful, family-friendly meal!
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken – Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken pieces, shaking off excess.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust to taste.
3️⃣ Assemble the Crockpot – Layer bell peppers and onion at the bottom. Place coated chicken thighs on top. Pour sauce evenly over the chicken.
4️⃣ Cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid!
5️⃣ Final Touches – In the last 30 minutes, add pineapple chunks if using. Before serving, shred chicken or leave whole. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tbsp sriracha, sliced jalapeños, and red pepper flakes.
Tropical Fusion: Use coconut milk instead of some ketchup, add mango, and replace vinegar with lime juice.
Low-Carb: Swap cornstarch for almond flour, serve over cauliflower rice, and add extra veggies.
Asian-Inspired: Add five-spice powder, water chestnuts, and crispy wonton strips.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, and add edamame for protein.