Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is in its simplicity. Just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies come together to create a dish that feels like your favorite takeout — only healthier and homemade. Tender chicken thighs soak up a bold, tangy-sweet sauce as they slowly cook to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a satisfying solution that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Served over rice and topped with fresh green onions or sesame seeds, it’s a deliciously complete meal with minimal effort. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting — you just get to enjoy the results.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/3 cup cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

• Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch until well coated.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until lightly browned.

3. Transfer chicken to a slow cooker.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and garlic powder.

5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

6. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

7. Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

8. Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Is a Must-Try Recipe

If you’re looking for a satisfying, comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is your answer. This recipe takes the classic flavors of sweet and sour chicken — a beloved favorite in Chinese-American cuisine — and transforms it into a simple, hands-off meal using a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this version of the dish combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp bell peppers in a mouthwatering sauce that’s both tangy and sweet.

Unlike the deep-fried version you’d get at a takeout spot, this slow cooker version is healthier, lighter, and doesn’t require standing over a hot stove. You can prepare it in the morning, go about your day, and return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner that smells absolutely divine.

A Quick History of Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken has its roots in Chinese cuisine, particularly Cantonese-style cooking, where the balance of sweet and tart flavors is a signature. Over time, the dish made its way to Western countries and adapted into what we now know as the takeout-style sweet and sour chicken — often battered, fried, and smothered in a bright red sauce. While undeniably delicious, the original takeout version isn’t always the healthiest option.

This slow cooker adaptation honors the sweet and sour profile but swaps the heavy batter and deep frying for a more wholesome, home-cooked approach. It uses juicy chicken thighs and a sauce made with real pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar — ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?

There are many reasons why this recipe is such a hit with families, meal-preppers, and home cooks of all skill levels:

1. Flavorful and Balanced Sauce

The secret to this recipe’s success is its beautifully balanced sauce. You get just the right amount of sweetness from pineapple juice and brown sugar, a hint of acidity from rice vinegar, and umami depth from soy sauce and garlic. Ketchup adds color and a mild tang, giving you that signature sweet and sour flavor without any artificial ingredients.

2. No Deep Frying Required

Traditional sweet and sour chicken involves dredging and deep frying chicken pieces. While tasty, it’s also time-consuming and messy. With this slow cooker version, you get a lighter dish that’s still packed with flavor but is lower in fat and calories.

3. Set-It-and-Forget-It Simplicity

This recipe is ideal for busy days. You only need about 15 minutes to prep everything, then the slow cooker takes over. There’s no need to stir, watch, or babysit the food. Just let it cook for 4–5 hours on low and enjoy tender, flavor-infused chicken when it’s done.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This dish stores beautifully in the fridge and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can portion it out with rice or cauliflower rice into containers for a week’s worth of delicious lunches or dinners. It also freezes well!

5. Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters tend to love this dish. The sweet sauce and tender chunks of chicken are comforting and kid-approved. The pineapple and colorful peppers add a nice burst of freshness and nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits

While it’s undeniably comforting, this recipe also has nutritional perks:

• Lean Protein: Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Pineapple adds vitamin C and manganese.
• Lower in Fat: Unlike fried versions, this slow cooker recipe uses minimal oil and skips the batter, making it a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this meal completely gluten-free.

Tips for Success

Want to make this recipe even better? Here are some pro tips:

• Sear the Chicken First: While technically optional, searing the chicken pieces for a few minutes adds depth of flavor and improves the texture of the final dish.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple works perfectly fine, but using fresh pineapple takes the flavor to another level.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of cooking time.
• Add Vegetables Later: To preserve the crunch of the bell peppers, add them during the last 30 minutes. If you cook them from the start, they can become too soft.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is super versatile and pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed White or Brown Rice – Classic and satisfying.
• Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb alternative.
• Quinoa – Adds protein and a nutty flavor.
• Asian Noodles or Zoodles – Great if you’re in the mood for a noodle bowl.

Don’t forget to top it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and a nice finishing touch.

Variations and Customizations

Want to change things up? Here are some variations to try:

• Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works too. Just be careful not to overcook it.
• Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Add More Veggies: Carrots, snap peas, or broccoli make great additions.
• Serve as a Bowl: Build a healthy rice or grain bowl with sweet and sour chicken, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and sesame dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of those go-to recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. It’s comforting, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish delivers on every level — taste, nutrition, ease, and versatility. It’s perfect for families, meal prep, or even a cozy dinner date at home.

Say goodbye to bland chicken dinners and hello to a crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish is a reader favorite and one of the best slow cooker recipes to keep in your rotation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a stress-free dinner that brings bold flavor and hearty comfort to the table, this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect choice. It captures all the deliciousness of a takeout favorite but with a homemade, wholesome twist. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, juicy pineapple, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy sauce makes every bite incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe delivers every time. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and full of flavor — it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Give it a try, and let your slow cooker do the magic while you enjoy more time doing what you love.