Threw this together for dinner last night and hubby loved it more than take-out!

Slow cooker sweet & sour chicken with honey is a heartwarming dish that's perfect for busy families. This recipe combines tender chicken with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. It's a wonderful meal to make when you want something homemade but don't have the time to stand over the stove all day. The honey gives it an extra layer of richness that kids and adults alike will love. It's the kind of dish that fills your home with a cozy, inviting aroma.

This sweet & sour chicken goes wonderfully over a bed of fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice. For a hearty, well-rounded meal, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas. If your family enjoys a bit of crunch, a simple cucumber salad or a side of edamame can be a great addition. Don't forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a lovely finish!

Servings: 4-6

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

1. Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the sweet & sour chicken over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

For a little extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the sauce mixture. If your family prefers a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. You can also swap out the bell peppers for other vegetables your family likes, such as snap peas or baby corn. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For those with a sweet tooth, add a little extra honey. If someone in your family doesn't like pineapple, simply leave it out or replace it with another fruit like mango for a different twist!