Name: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with Yum Sides and Sauces
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 220 min
Ingredients: 3/4 lb chicken breast (about 2 large breasts, chopped); 1 onion (140 grams, chopped); 1 red bell pepper (190 grams, chopped); 1 green bell pepper (190 grams, chopped); to taste salt and pepper; 1 tbsp garlic (minced); 1 tbsp ginger (grated); 4 tbsp soy sauce; 4 tbsp sugar-free barbecue sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 20 oz pineapple with juice (canned); 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 stalks scallions (optional garnish); sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Steam curls up from the valve and your stomach starts talking back. You catch the sweet smell of pineapple mingled with garlic and ginger, kinda pulling you closer to the kitchen. It hits you that dinner's gonna be something special tonight.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken fresh and steaming in pressure cooker — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken fresh and steaming, ready to serve.

As the slow release on your pressure cooker is about to finish, you spot the chicken getting that tender pull texture you love. The sizzling of those bell peppers and onions in the sauce makes a comfy hum that’s hard to resist. You wanna just dive right in.

You mess with the sealing ring one last time, giving it a quick release nudge and then lift the lid. The steam bursts out warm and thick, carrying all those sweet and savory scents. Y’all, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is ready to be that dinner hero you needed.

Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time

Using the crockpot lets the chicken soak up all those juicy flavors slow and steady.
Combining soy sauce and sugar-free barbecue sauce gives you a nice sweet and tangy punch that’s balanced.
Adding pineapple with juice keeps that sweet tropical twist fresh and vibrant.

The ginger and garlic team up perfectly to add a little spicy warmth without being overpowering.
Chopping your veggies just right means they stay tender but not mushy after hours of cooking.
The sesame oil gives it a subtle nutty layer that ties all the flavors together real good.

The Complete Shopping Rundown

¾ lb chicken breast - about 2 large ones, chopped up nice.
One onion, around 140 grams, chopped pretty fine.
One red bell pepper, about 190 grams, chopped into chunks you like.
One green bell pepper, same weight, chopped.
Minced garlic - gotta have about a tablespoon ready.
Ginger, grated fresh, you want a tablespoon of that zing.

Soy sauce - 4 tablespoons, for that salty umami pop.
Sugar-free barbecue sauce - 4 tablespoons, bringing sweet without weighin’ ya down.
Sesame oil - 2 teaspoons for that nutty aroma.

Ingredients including chicken, bell peppers, garlic, and sauces ready to combine in crockpot — Fresh ingredients laid out for making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.

The Exact Process From Start to Finish

First, toss in the chopped chicken breast, onion, and both bell peppers straight into your crockpot.

Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Pour in the soy sauce, sugar-free barbecue sauce, and drizzle the sesame oil over everything.
Hit it lightly with some salt and pepper, just enough to coax out the flavors, not overpower 'em.
Give it a good stir so all those ingredients get cozy and mixed evenly.

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or crank it up to high and let it do its thing for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken needs to be cooked through and vegetables tender but not falling apart.
Once it’s done, give it a stir before serving so all the flavors meld back together nice and easy.
If you want to keep it hotter longer, you can do a natural release on your pressure cooker if you swapped in one, or quick release if you’re in a rush, just watch for that steam!

Easy Tweaks That Make Life Simple

Loose on time? You can substitute frozen bell peppers instead of fresh and still get great flavor without the prep.
If you don’t have sugar-free barbecue sauce handy, try swapping with a mix of tomato paste and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that tangy bite.
Want a bit more tropical zing? Add a few pineapple chunks on top as a garnish just before serving — it adds freshness and looks fancy.

What It Tastes Like Fresh From the Pot

First bite is sweet like warm island breezes thanks to the pineapple and orange juice, it kinda brightens up your whole meal. Then that soy and barbecue combo hits sweet and savory notes that dance on your tongue.

You notice the garlic and ginger warming things up just right. The chicken is tender with juicy pulls that melt, while the bell peppers keep a little snap making every bite interesting.

The finishing sesame oil brings everything home with a soft nutty kiss that lingers gently. It’s the kinda meal where you want that second serving and maybe even leftovers.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken served fresh with tender chicken and colorful vegetables — Serve your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken fresh with tender chicken and colorful veggies.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Ready

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and toss it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 days, perfect for next-day lunches.
If you wanna stash some longer, freeze the chicken and veggies separately in freezer-safe bags, that way the texture stays better when reheated.
When you reheat, use a gentle warming on your pressure cooker or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep things moist.

If you sealed well after cooking, the sealing ring helps keep the flavors locked in, makin’ next meals just as yummy.

The FAQ Section You Actually Need

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast? Totally, thighs work just as well and give a bit more fat and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cook time for thickness.
What’s the difference between quick release and natural release? Quick release means you open the valve right after cooking to let steam out fast. Natural release is letting the pot cool down slowly before opening, letting flavors settle.

My veggies got super soft, what happened? Maybe cooked too long on high. Try chopping veggies bigger next time or cook on low to keep a bit more texture.
Can I skip the cornstarch? Yeah, you can, but cornstarch helps thicken the sauce a bit. If you skip it, your sauce might be thinner but still tasty.
Is the sugar-free barbecue sauce really necessary? It adds to the balance of sweet and tangy flavors. You can swap it with something similar but keep it in for best results.

How do I clean my sealing ring after cooking this? Just wash it with warm soapy water, dry completely, and make sure there’s no residue left. It keeps the ring working smooth for next time.

For more delicious ideas, check out our Mediterranean quesadilla or try the Frank's RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip for flavorful crowd-pleasers made in your pressure cooker.