Irresistible Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a dinner idea that hits all the right notes? These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are sweet, smoky, a little tangy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just need something delicious on the table fast, this recipe is a total win.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Fast and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
No fancy ingredients – Everything is easy to find.
Sweet and savory combo – Thanks to BBQ sauce and pineapple.
Perfect for meal prep – Make in advance and reheat later.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Everyone goes back for seconds!

Whether you serve these sandwiches for a weeknight dinner, game day, or backyard BBQ, they’ll disappear fast. Isn’t it great when comfort food is also easy?

Essential Tools and Equipment

Don’t worry—you don’t need a gourmet kitchen to whip these up. Here’s what you’ll need:

Skillet or saucepan
Mixing bowl
Shredding fork or meat shredder claws
Cutting board
Knife
Toaster or oven (for toasting buns)

Tip: If you have a slow cooker or Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

Preparation Tips

Want to make your kitchen time smoother? These smart kitchen hacks will help:

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken and just mixing it with sauce—no stove needed.
Toast your buns: Lightly toasting them gives extra texture and prevents sogginess.
Make ahead: The BBQ chicken mixture can be made up to 3 days early and stored in the fridge.
Double the batch: Great for freezing or meal prepping more sandwiches later in the week.

Little details make a big difference. For example, letting the pineapple caramelize a bit brings out even more sweetness!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need for these dreamy sandwiches:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast)
1 ½ cups bottled BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
6 sandwich buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls
1 ½ cups canned pineapple tidbits, drained
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices mozzarella or provolone (optional, but highly recommended!)
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño, or slaw for garnish (optional)

Note: For spicier flavor, add a dash of cayenne or your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mix.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps:

Prep ahead, if needed: If not using rotisserie chicken, poach and shred the chicken breasts.
Sauce it up: In a large skillet over medium heat, add shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until fully coated.
Warm it through: Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated and slightly thickened.
Stir in pineapple: Add drained pineapple tidbits to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Heat for another 2 minutes.
Toast the buns: In another pan or in the oven, melt butter and toast the cut sides of your buns until they’re golden brown and lightly crispy.
Assemble: Layer the bottom bun with warm BBQ chicken-pineapple mixture. Add a slice of cheese (optional), red onion, or garnish like slaw or cilantro.
Serve and enjoy! Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Feel free to make it your own—add pickles, spicy mayo, or grilled jalapeños if you want some heat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes come with a few pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the chicken: If cooking from scratch, don’t let the chicken dry out. Moist, juicy chicken is key.
Skipping the toasting: Untoasted buns can get soggy fast. Take the extra minute—your taste buds will thank you!
Too much sauce: Don’t drown the chicken. It should be coated—not swimming—in sauce.
Forgetting to drain the pineapple: Excess juice can water down the BBQ flavor.

Trust us—avoiding these little missteps guarantees better results every time.

Best Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches? Try these tasty pairings:

Coleslaw: The crisp tang of slaw balances out the sweet and smoky chicken. Try our Creamy Apple Slaw for a fruity twist!
Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked or air-fried—either way, they’re a perfect match.
Grilled Corn: A classic summer pairing with a buttery finish.
Macaroni Salad: A chilled pasta salad adds a cool, creamy sidekick.

Pro tip: Add tropical flair with sides like coconut rice or pineapple cucumber salad!

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to take this to the next level? Here’s how:

Use smoked BBQ sauce: Adds a deeper flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully.
Pineapple on the grill: Try grilling your pineapple for a caramelized, chewy topping.
Spicy twist: Stir in crushed red pepper or sriracha if you like heat.
Vegetarian version: Use jackfruit in place of chicken for a plant-based alternative.
Crispy onions: Sprinkle some on top for crunch!

Make it your own—customizing is half the fun.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem. This recipe stores like a dream.

Storage: Keep the BBQ chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze chicken mixture (not assembled sandwiches) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently.
To refresh buns: Toast them briefly again for the best texture.

Tip: Add a splash of BBQ sauce when reheating to keep things juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine cooked or raw chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and paprika in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours (or until the chicken is shreddable if raw). Stir in pineapple before serving.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use what you love! A smoky-sweet sauce works great, but honey BBQ or even spicy chipotle sauce also taste amazing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance and reheat when ready to assemble.

Is this gluten-free?

The filling can be made gluten-free if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and serve it on gluten-free buns.

Do I have to use cheese?

Not at all! The cheese is optional but adds a creamy layer that many love. You can skip it or use plant-based cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combo of smoky BBQ sauce and juicy, sweet pineapple—it’s like sunshine in sandwich form. These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are quick, comforting, and crave-worthy every time. Perfect for lazy evenings, potlucks, and practically any meal where flavor is a must.

So… are you ready to try them out? Let us know in the comments how yours turned out—and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us on social media!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of our other easy chicken dinners like our Tangy Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls.

Until next time—happy cooking and aloha vibes all around! 🌺🍍🥪