Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and minced fresh ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar dissolves, creating the foundation of your sweet and sour sauce.
2. Layering the Crockpot:
In the crockpot, layer the bite-sized chicken chunks, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, sliced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic. Each layer adds depth to the dish, creating a medley of textures and flavors.
3. Pouring the Sauce:
Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. Ensure that the sauce evenly coats the chicken and vegetables, promising a balanced distribution of flavors.
4. Slow-Cooking Magic:
Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Allow the ingredients to meld and simmer for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. The slow-cooking process is where the magic happens, transforming individual ingredients into a cohesive and delectable dish.
5. Thickening the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. This will help thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy texture that beautifully clings to the chicken and vegetables.
6. Serving and Garnishing:
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, it’s time to serve your Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken. Spoon it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to pop against the backdrop of your chosen base. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a touch of elegance and freshness.
