Imagine coming home after a long day to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, succulent chicken swimming in a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce. This crock pot chicken recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines minimal effort with maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who loves delicious, hassle-free meals, this recipe is about to become your new culinary best friend.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired for quicker cooking and easier serving.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crock pot. Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shred with a fork. If needed, you can cook it for an additional 30 minutes to an hour depending on your crock pot's heat level.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir the mixture in the crock pot to combine the chicken with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the sweet and sour crock pot chicken over rice or noodles, allowing the delicious sauce to soak into the grains. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy your meal! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This will create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor if you have the time.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ketchup with tomato sauce and reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Modern crock pots can cook faster, so check the chicken's internal temperature (it should reach 165°F) to prevent dryness.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - try adding bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra texture and flavor.
- If you're meal prepping, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 175kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 62mg
