Crock Pot Sweet-Sour Chicken Recipe 🍗
Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet and sour flavors with our Crock Pot Sweet-Sour Chicken recipe! This easy-to-follow dish, perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely potluck gatherings, promises a burst of mouthwatering taste in every bite. With tender chicken breasts and thighs bathed in a luscious sauce, this recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s healthy, kid-friendly, and budget-friendly, making it a versatile option for any occasion!
Key Information:
- Name: Crock Pot Sweet-Sour Chicken
- Category: Chicken Breast
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Canadian, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Kosher, Potluck, Weeknight, Easy, Inexpensive
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
- Review Count: 8 reviews
- Calories per Serving: 426.1
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: Varies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- In a slow cooker, combine ketchup, water, white vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
-
Adding Chicken:
- Add the chicken breast chunks and thighs into the slow cooker.
- Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce mixture.
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Cooking in the Crock Pot:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. The choice of setting depends on your schedule and preference.
-
Thickening the Sauce:
- Once the cooking time is complete, in a small bowl, combine cornstarch with the second portion of water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker.
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Final Cooking Step:
- If the slow cooker is set to High, continue cooking and stirring the mixture often for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, for faster thickening, transfer the mixture into a saucepan and heat on the stove, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
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Serving:
- Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, serve the Sweet-Sour Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Tips and Variations:
- Make-Ahead: Prep the sauce and chicken the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine them in the slow cooker and set it to cook.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for a meat-free alternative.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion:
With its effortless preparation and irresistible taste, our Crock Pot Sweet-Sour Chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish promises to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Embrace the harmony of flavors and enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!