There's just something about slow cooker sweet & sour chicken and this version is hands down one of the absolute best recipes I've ever had the pleasure of making over the years. I watched my great grandma make this time and time again until it became imbedded into my memory, and I am so glad it is because this is a family recipe that will live on throughout the generations and continue to be enjoyed around the table. The tanginess and the sweetness are in perfect balance throughout this dish. The consistency of the sauce is perfect, even when you reheat it for later. I promise you this recipe will become a family treasure that will be enjoyed for years to some. Try it and see for yourself!
A great way to use your slow cooker on those days when time is of the essence and there just isn't enough of it to go around. This savory and easy recipe is packed full of flavor and has the perfect balance of sweet and sour making it a favorite to all.
Drain then pineapple reserving the juice. Place the pineapple chunks in the refrigerator until needed.
In a bowl combine the carrots, ginger and minced onions and stir thoroughly to combine. Use a spatula and scrap the carrot mixture into the slow cooker making sure to get all the little bits of flavor.
In a separate bowl combine the coconut aminos, brown sugar and the reserved pineapple juice and stir well.
Place the carrot mixture in the slow cooker and spread out evenly. Next add the chicken in an even layer over the carrots and then using a spatula again pour the brown sugar mixture over the chicken taking care to scrape all the flavor out of the bowl.
Cover and cook on low for 6.5 hours.
30 minutes before the sweet and sour chicken is ready, add the rinsed rice to an Instapot. Next add the chicken stock and stir well. Make sure the vent is sealed and start the Instapot on high for 3 minutes using the pressure cook button. When the rice is done allow it to naturally vent for 10 minutes and then do a quick release. Perfect rice every time!
Also, 30 minutes before the sweet & sour chicken is done add the chopped bell peppers, the reserved pineapple chunks and then add a slurry created with the 1/4 c. arrowroot powder and 1/4 c. water. Return the cover and then turn the slow cooker up to high for the last 30 minutes.
Serve over a bed of rice and enjoy!
Shawn-Marie is a stay-at-home wife, mother and Nana that lives on a 5-acre hobby farm near Cape Cod Massachusetts. She is the author of the blog She's in Hert Element and is also the content creator for the YouTube channel She's in Her Element. There she shares all things homemaking including cooking, preserving, DIY, decorating and homesteading.
