If you’re looking for a hearty dinner with no mess and few ingredients, then this 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is what you need, prepared with chicken thighs, sweet-and-sour sauce, mixed vegetables, rice, and water.

To make Sweet and Sour Chicken in your Slow Cooker, simply toss the chicken and sauce together, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, then add vegetables and cook for another 15 minutes.

Seriously, if you haven’t tried this recipe yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a game-changer! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turns out; it’s ridiculously easy and delicious!

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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Recipe?

Absolutely, you can swap out chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind, that chicken breasts can dry out a bit more easily, so keep an eye on the cooking time; you might want to check a bit earlier.

5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients

• 2 lb (907g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 jars sweet-and-sour sauce, 11.5 oz (325g each)
• 1 package frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, carrots, and water chestnuts), 1 lb (454g), thawed and drained
• 3 cups (480g) uncooked instant rice
• 3 cups (720ml) water

How To Make 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the cut chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the sweet-and-sour sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated to enhance flavor absorption.
2. Set to Cook: Secure the lid of your slow cooker. Adjust the setting to low and allow the chicken to cook for 8 to 10 hours. The long cooking time helps the chicken become tender and fully infused with the sauce.
3. Incorporate Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the thawed mixed vegetables to the cooker. Stir gently to combine. Cover and switch the setting to high. Cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through while retaining a crisp texture.
4. Cook Rice: During the last few minutes of the slow cooker’s cooking time, prepare the instant rice. Use 3 cups of water to ensure the rice is fluffy and moist, cooking it as specified on the rice package.
5. Serve Your Dish: Spoon generous portions of the sweet and sour chicken and vegetables over the bed of freshly cooked rice. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Maximize Flavor: To boost the flavor profile of your dish, consider browning the chicken pieces in a skillet before slow cooking. This adds a rich, caramelized texture that really enhances the overall taste.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to swap out the suggested vegetables with others you have on hand, such as snap peas or bell peppers, to keep things colorful and crunchy.

Recipe Variations

• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce before cooking. It’ll make your taste buds dance and sing!
• Pineapple Punch: Throw in a cup of pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a tropical twist that complements the sweet and sour flavors beautifully.
• Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Try using pork tenderloin or beef chunks as a hearty substitute that holds up well in the slow cooker.
• Extra Crunch: Just before serving, top the dish with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for that extra bit of crunch and a nutty flavor that really ties everything together.

What To Serve With Sweet and Sour Chicken

Serve your 5 Ingredient Sweet and Sour Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, sesame noodles, crispy wontons, cucumber salad, and grilled pineapple slices.

You can also pair it with Asian slaw and spring rolls to enhance your meal.

How To Store Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken

In The Fridge:

Place the cooled Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator. This method ensures that the chicken remains fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the rice and chicken to maintain optimal texture.

In The Freezer:

This dish does not freeze well due to the texture changes in the vegetables and sauce after thawing. Freezing can cause the vegetables to become mushy and the sauce to separate, reducing the overall quality of the meal.

How To Reheat Leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken

Reheat your leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until hot, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Ensure even heating by covering the pan with a lid during reheating.

Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chinese Chicken Curry
• Slow Cooker Chicken Madras