Made this for dinner yesterday and my husband swore it beats take-out!

Sweet & sour chicken is a beloved dish that bridges the culinary traditions of East Asia with Western palates, offering a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This version introduces mango, adding a tropical twist that complements the dish's classic taste. Perfect for a busy household or a relaxed weekend, this recipe will not only provide you with a restaurant-quality meal but also an opportunity to explore the rich interplay of flavors and textures inherent in sweet & sour cooking.

This slow cooker sweet & sour chicken with mango pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or quinoa, which help soak up the flavorful sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed in a light rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing. Steamed broccoli or snap peas can also add a nice crunch and additional nutrient value to your meal.

Servings: 4

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 large mango, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken chunks until they are lightly browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

2. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth until well combined.

4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

5. Add the diced mango, pineapple chunks, and sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure all ingredients are coated with the sauce.

6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

8. Serve the sweet & sour chicken hot over rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

For a spicier version, consider adding a chopped chili pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables like carrots, snow peas, and broccoli. To deepen the flavor, try adding a splash of fish sauce or a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the mix. Additionally, incorporating a handful of cashews or toasted sesame seeds right before serving can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.