This classic American-style Sweet ‘N Sour Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces simmer slowly until they fall apart, soaking up a vibrant sauce made from sweet brown sugar, tangy red wine vinegar, and juicy frozen pineapple-orange blend. The dish is brightened with crunchy carrots, bell peppers, and onion wedges, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. It&# 226;ÂÂs an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Serve it over hot couscous or rice for a hearty, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Sweet ‘N Sour Chicken
Description
This classic American-style Sweet 'N Sour Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces simmer slowly until they fall apart, soaking up a vibrant sauce made from sweet brown sugar, tangy red wine vinegar, and juicy frozen pineapple-orange blend. The dish is brightened with crunchy carrots, bell peppers, and onion wedges, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. It's an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine the thawed pineapple-orange juice concentrate, catsup, and lemon juice to make the sauce base.
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Pour about half of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a crockpot.
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Stir the quick-cooking tapioca into the sauce in the cooker.
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Place the cinnamon stick, allspice berries, and cloves into a piece of cheesecloth and tie it securely to create a spice bag.
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Add the spice bag to the cooker.
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Place the frozen chicken pieces into the crockpot.
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Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on the low-heat setting for 10-12 hours, or on the high-heat setting for 4 1/2-5 1/2 hours.
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Discard the spice bag before serving.
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Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
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Skim any excess fat from the sauce.
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Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve with hot cooked couscous.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 101.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.4g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 65.1mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 25.5g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4.8g20%
- Sugars 15.9g
- Protein 1.8g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Substitutions: You can use fresh pineapple chunks and orange juice instead of the frozen concentrate for a fresher flavor. If you don't have quick-cooking tapioca, you can substitute with cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking.
Variations: Add sliced carrots, green peppers, and onion wedges during the last hour of cooking if you prefer them crisp-tender rather than very soft.
Tip: Using frozen chicken is convenient, but if using fresh chicken, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from drying out.
