Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Tender chicken breasts, tangy pineapple, and crunchy peppers are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. The addition of honey and dark brown sugar gives it a sweet and savory kick. Serve it with egg fried rice, noodles, or prawn crackers for a complete meal. This recipe is freezer-friendly, making it a great option for busy days!
Ingredients:
Slow Cook Ingredients:
700 g chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
1 onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
3 tbsp tomato puree
3 tbsp light soy sauce
4 cloves garlic
2 inches ginger
4 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper
To Add Later:
3 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
3 peppers (red, yellow, green), cut into big chunks
435 g tinned pineapple (in juice), cut into chunks
Instructions:
1. Slow Cook Base: Add all “slow cook ingredients” along with the juice from the pineapple can (reserve the fruit for later) into your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors are blended.
2. Thicken Sauce: Mix the cornflour with a small amount of liquid from the slow cooker to create a slurry. Pour it back into the slow cooker.
3. Add Final Ingredients: Stir in the dark brown sugar, peppers, and tinned pineapple chunks.
4. Finish Cooking:
Option 1: Return the mixture to the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Option 2: Transfer to a stovetop-safe pan and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the peppers are slightly softened.
Notes and Tips:
Crunchy or Soft Peppers: Add peppers at the end for a crunchy texture. Add them earlier if you prefer them softer.
Chicken Substitution: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Soy Sauce Variations: Light soy sauce is preferred for a balanced color and flavor, but tamari or dark soy can be used in a pinch.
Sweetness Boost: Dark brown sugar enhances the rich, caramelized flavor.
Optional Add-Ons: Sprinkle chili flakes for heat or squeeze lime juice for a zesty finish.
Serving Ideas:
Pair with egg fried rice, prawn crackers, or noodles for a complete meal.
Storage and Freezing:
Cool completely before storing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Enjoy this tangy, sweet, and savory chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!