Name: Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces); 1 cup BBQ sauce (thick variety); ¾ cup pineapple preserves

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken is a 3-ingredient crockpot delight. Tender chicken thighs simmer in tangy BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple preserves, creating a sticky, flavorful dish—perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that’s ideal for busy nights or meal prep with a delicious twist.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they stay juicy and shred beautifully after slow cooking; breasts work too but may dry out if overcooked. Whisk the BBQ sauce and pineapple preserves together first—it ensures a smooth, even sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Line your crockpot with a disposable liner—the sticky sauce can cling, making cleanup effortless. Stir halfway through if you’re around—it helps the flavors meld evenly, though it’s not a must. Double the recipe and freeze portions—it’s a fantastic time-saver for quick, tasty dinners later in the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to savor a flavor explosion with this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken—it’s a shining star among 3-ingredient crockpot recipes, and it’s about to become your slow cooker go-to! This dish is a sweet-and-tangy masterpiece: juicy chicken thighs soak up a sticky, irresistible blend of BBQ sauce and pineapple preserves, slow-cooking into tender, shreddable perfection that’s bursting with a delightful balance of savory and sweet—all with just three simple ingredients and zero effort, thanks to your trusty crockpot. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal—toss it in, let it simmer, and come back to a warm, inviting aroma and a dish that’s ready to wow your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner, prepping for a busy week, or just want a no-fuss meal that feels like a takeout treat without the hassle, this recipe is a total winner—easy, scrumptious, and guaranteed to make you smile with its sticky, sweet-and-sour goodness! The BBQ sauce brings that tangy depth, while the pineapple preserves add a fruity sweetness that’ll have you coming back for more.

Yield: Serves 6

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sticky sweet and sour chicken—crockpot ease.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
1 cup BBQ sauce (thick variety)

¾ cup pineapple preserves

Instructions

Gear Up for Yum: Pull out your slow cooker, a small bowl, and a whisk—this 3-ingredient sweet-and-sour magic’s about to brighten your day with ease! Picture sticky, tangy chicken—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin!
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, grab your 1 cup BBQ sauce and ¾ cup pineapple preserves—whisk them together until smooth and blended! This tangy-sweet combo is your flavor superstar—stir it until it’s a glossy, irresistible mix!

Add the Chicken: Take your 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the slow cooker—lay them flat in a single layer for even cooking! These juicy cuts are your meal’s foundation—ready to soak up all that saucy goodness!
Pour the Sauce: Grab your BBQ-pineapple mixture and pour it evenly over the chicken thighs—make sure every piece gets a generous coating! That sticky, sweet-and-sour blend is your ticket to deliciousness—watch it settle in!
Set the Cooker: Pop the lid on—set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours if you’ve got time to spare, or high for 3-4 hours if you’re eager to eat sooner! Let it simmer—your kitchen’s about to smell like a tropical BBQ paradise!

Stir Halfway (Optional): If you’re home, give the chicken a gentle stir after 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high—this spreads the sauce love evenly! If you’re out, no worries—it’ll still turn out amazing without this step!
Check the Chicken: When the cooking time’s up, lift the lid—your chicken should be tender, juicy, and practically falling apart! Test it with a fork—when it’s ready, your sweet-and-sour masterpiece is good to go!
Shred or Serve: Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker if you want a pulled texture—mix it with the sauce for max flavor! Or keep the thighs whole if you prefer—they’ll be just as succulent and tasty either way—your choice!

Taste and Tweak: Scoop out a small bite and taste that sticky, tangy perfection—oh, it’s divine! Want a little more zing? Add a splash of BBQ sauce or a dollop of preserves—adjust it to your sweet-and-sour dreams!
Serve and Savor: Spoon the chicken onto plates or into meal prep containers—dig into that sticky, tender, flavor-packed deliciousness! Pair with rice, veggies, or enjoy solo—pack extras for later or serve hot right away—it’s crockpot gold that’ll have you grinning with every bite!

Notes

Whisk the sauce first—unmixed preserves clump up and mess with your sweet-and-sour vibe!

Stick with thighs if possible—breasts can dry out in the slow cooker, and we want that juicy texture for maximum enjoyment.
Prep ahead—toss it in before you head out, come home to a ready-to-eat feast that feels like a warm, tangy hug!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 349Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 184mgSodium 752mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 1gSugar 19gProtein 37g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken thighs are the standout here—boneless and skinless, they pack about 20 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, with enough fat to stay succulent and flavorful after hours in the slow cooker, making them ideal for this saucy dish. BBQ sauce delivers the tangy, smoky base—choose a thick variety (around 10-15 grams of carbs per 2 tablespoons), as it holds up well and balances the sweetness. Pineapple preserves bring the sweet, fruity punch—about 13 grams of carbs per tablespoon, they melt into the sauce, adding that signature sweet-and-sour vibe with a tropical twist.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer—leaner with 26 grams of protein per 4 ounces, but watch the cook time to avoid dryness. Use apricot or peach preserves instead of pineapple—similar sweetness, different fruit flair that keeps the sticky texture. Sub BBQ sauce with a sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce—chili adds a spicy kick, teriyaki a savory depth, both shifting the flavor profile. Add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar—enhances the sour note if you’ve got it on hand. Try chicken drumsticks—bone-in for richer flavor, just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the sauce thickens and flavors deepen, making it even more delicious over time! Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes with a splash of water to keep it moist, or microwave for 1-2 minutes for a quick fix. Freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months—portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a fast, flavorful meal that’s just as good as day one.