Craving sweet, sour, and slow-cooked goodness without flirting with actual chicken? Girl, same—and now we can without any guilt. This plant-based twist on the classic sweet and sour chicken gets cozy in a slow cooker while you scroll through memes in your robe. It’s tangy, saucy, and shockingly meat-free, because flavor doesn’t require feathers. And as if that wasn’t enough drama, there’s a luscious vegan coffee panna cotta waiting to close the show. Serve sass, not species. Eat well, look smug, and enjoy a flavor bomb that won’t lecture your conscience.
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken with Coffee Panna Cotta
A zesty, cruelty-free twist on sweet and sour chicken paired with a smooth, dairy-free coffee panna cotta. Pure comfort with zero compromise.
Ingredients
Sweet and Sour “Chicken”:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups soy curls rehydrated
- ½ cup pineapple chunks juice reserved
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coffee Panna Cotta:
- 1 ½ cups almond or coconut milk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp agar-agar powder
- Optional: Shaved vegan chocolate or cinnamon dust
Instructions
Sweet and Sour “Chicken”:
- Sauté garlic, onion, and peppers in sesame oil until fragrant—like you know what you’re doing.
- Toss in soy curls and pineapple chunks. Sizzle briefly.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, vinegar, tamari, pineapple juice, and sugar. Whisk it like your ex’s reputation depends on it.
- Pour sauce over the slow cooker ingredients. Stir gently.
- Cook on low for 6 hours until thick and caramelized.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before finishing to thicken it like a pro.
- Salt, pepper, sass to taste.
Coffee Panna Cotta:
- In saucepan, combine almond milk, coffee, syrup, and vanilla.
- Stir in agar-agar and bring to a light boil. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Pour into molds and refrigerate until set—about 2 hours.
- Top with chocolate shavings or cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 29%
- Iron: 23%
- Calcium: 18%
- Magnesium: 15%
- Folate: 14%
Any Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor for the Recipe
- Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for extra zing.
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky punch.
- Chill the panna cotta overnight if you want a firmer set.
- Garnish with fresh mint to feel extra Instagrammable.
- Pair with jasmine rice or soba noodles for a full diva moment.
