Introduction

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is a deliciously tender, tangy, and slightly sweet dish that brings a taste of your favorite takeout right into your home kitchen. Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors of the sweet and sour sauce while remaining juicy and succulent.

This dish perfectly balances tender chicken, tangy sauce, crisp vegetables, and sweet pineapple chunks, creating a comforting and colorful meal. It’s ideal for busy weekdays, casual family dinners, or meal prep, as the slow cooker does all the work while infusing every bite with rich, well-rounded flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines convenience with incredible flavor. The slow cooker tenderizes the chicken beautifully while allowing the sauce to develop a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

The addition of pineapple adds a juicy, tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with bell peppers and onions, making every bite vibrant and satisfying. It’s a comforting dish that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when I want a home-cooked meal without hours of work.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal effortlessly. The slow cooker ensures tender chicken that’s full of flavor, while the sweet and sour sauce creates a delicious glaze over the meat and vegetables.

Perfect for both adults and kids, this dish is versatile, easy to customize, and ideal for serving with rice or noodles. Its combination of textures, colors, and flavors makes it an unforgettable addition to your recipe repertoire.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4–5 hours
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare chicken and vegetables: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice bell peppers and onion, and drain pineapple chunks.
2. Combine sauce ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Add to crockpot: Place chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple into the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the top and stir gently to coat.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
5. Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the crockpot and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve: Spoon sweet and sour chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; dice bell peppers and onion; prepare pineapple chunks.
2. Whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Place chicken, vegetables, and pineapple in the slow cooker; pour sauce over.
4. Cover and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; stir into crockpot to thicken sauce.
6. Cook an additional 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

How to Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and color. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or egg rolls for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breasts are leaner but still tasty.
• Add pineapple toward the end if you prefer a less sweet, less cooked fruit texture.
• Adjust sugar or vinegar to taste for your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
• Cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce is thick and glossy—don’t skip this step.
• Leftovers can be reheated gently in a saucepan or microwave.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chopped chili for heat.
• Vegetable-Loaded: Include carrots, snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Honey Version: Substitute brown sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Pineapple-Free: Replace pineapple with mango chunks or bell pepper for a tangy twist.
• Slow Cooker Freezer Meal: Assemble chicken, vegetables, and sauce (except cornstarch) in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and cook.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without cornstarch slurry) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating and thickening sauce.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave. Add cornstarch slurry if reheating from frozen to thicken sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / crockpot (4–6 quart)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but increase cooking time slightly to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Yes, drain juice before adding to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.

Q: Can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
A: Yes, simmer on high with the lid off for 15–20 minutes to reduce sauce.

Q: Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?
A: Yes, chop vegetables and chicken a day in advance and store separately in the fridge.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple is a tender, flavorful, and easy slow-cooked meal that brings the taste of takeout into your kitchen. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors combined with juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser. Minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and a glossy, delicious sauce make this dish perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or meal prep. Serve over rice or noodles, and you have a comforting, colorful, and satisfying meal every time.