Crockpot sweet

Crockpot Sweet Recipe with Chicken, Carrots, and Pineapple

Cooking time: 8-10 hours (crockpot) or 2 hours (oven) | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Crockpot sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful sweet and tangy sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.

History

The origins of sweet and sour chicken can be traced back to Chinese cuisine, where the combination of sweet and tangy flavors is a popular cooking technique. This dish has since been adapted and modified in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 carrot, cut into pieces
1 green pepper, cut into pieces
1 medium onion, quartered
4 boneless chicken breasts
3 tbsp heaping instant tapioca
8 oz (227 g) canned pineapple chunks
2 tbsp candied ginger or fresh ginger
0.33 cup packed dark brown sugar
0.33 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp instant chicken bouillon
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 medium green pepper, cut into strips
10 optional fresh cilantro leaves
hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Remove all skin and any fat from the chicken before cooking.
Do not drain the pineapple, include the juice in the crockpot.
Mince the ginger if using fresh ginger.
For crockpot cooking, put vegetables in the bottom of the crockpot.
Sprinkle tapioca over vegetables.
Place chicken atop vegetables.
Combine all other ingredients except rice in a small bowl.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Before serving, cook rice separately.
Serve the chicken and vegetables over rice.
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.
To cook in the oven, put vegetables in the bottom of a greased pan.
Sprinkle vegetables with tapioca.
Add chicken to the pan.
Combine all other ingredients except rice in a small bowl.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover the pan tightly with foil.
Bake in a 300-degree oven for 2 hours.
Before serving, cook rice separately.
Serve the chicken and vegetables over rice.
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute tofu for the chicken.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove all skin and fat from the chicken before cooking to ensure a lean and healthy dish.

- For a more intense flavor, you can use fresh ginger instead of candied ginger.

- Cooking the chicken in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.

- Serve the chicken and vegetables over hot cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet and sour chicken over hot cooked rice for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe can be cooked in a slow cooker or in the oven for a hands-off cooking experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh ginger instead of candied ginger for a more intense flavor.

- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sweet and sour chicken in a colorful bowl over a bed of fluffy rice for an attractive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

3g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron from the vegetables and chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the soy sauce and chicken bouillon.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crockpot sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With a flavorful sweet and tangy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting a dear friend of mine who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma – a delicious blend of cinnamon, sugar, and apples simmering in her crockpot.

I couldn't help but ask what she was making, and she smiled and told me it was a recipe she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. She called it "Crockpot Sweet," and she graciously offered to share the recipe with me.

As she guided me through the steps of making this delectable dish, I couldn't help but be amazed by its simplicity. All it required was a few basic ingredients – apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice – and a slow cooker to work its magic.

My friend explained that the key to this recipe was to let the apples cook low and slow, allowing them to caramelize and create a heavenly sweet sauce that would coat each tender slice. She also shared that the addition of a pinch of salt helped to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

After a few hours of patiently waiting and occasionally stirring the pot, the Crockpot Sweet was finally ready. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the fruits of my labor. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, to the warm and comforting flavors of my grandmother's kitchen.

From that day on, Crockpot Sweet became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my friend and her grandmother, as well as to my own heritage and the generations of women who had passed down their culinary wisdom to me.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract. But the core of the recipe has remained unchanged – simple, comforting, and undeniably delicious.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in my friend's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it has brought into my life. Cooking, for me, is not just about nourishing the body but also about feeding the soul – connecting me to my past, grounding me in the present, and inspiring me to create new traditions for the future.

So the next time you find yourself craving a sweet and comforting treat, I urge you to try making Crockpot Sweet. Let the aroma fill your home, let the flavors dance on your taste buds, and let the memories of generations past warm your heart. And who knows, perhaps one day you too will pass down this beloved recipe to a loved one, creating new memories and traditions to cherish for years to come.