Name: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Savory,
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or honey-style works best); ½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional); 1 teaspoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro

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Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe nights are why I started sharing food from my real, everyday kitchen.

This dish came to life on a busy weeknight with little more than BBQ sauce, pineapple, and a prayer. The kids loved it. I exhaled. And for a moment, it felt like I had dinner — and life — under control.

That’s what I want this space to be. A place for simple wins, familiar flavors, and that quiet feeling of hope when a recipe just works.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

It’s quick but tastes slow-cooked

When you need dinner fast but still crave something a little special, this simple Hawaiian BBQ chicken delivers. It comes together in one skillet, but the flavor tastes like you spent hours.

The sweet-savory combo is a winner

Barbecue sauce and pineapple don’t just work — they shine. The sticky sweetness balances the smoky tang so well that even picky eaters take seconds.

Picky-eater and freezer friendly

This recipe is a dream for families. You can prep it ahead, freeze it raw or cooked, and it reheats beautifully. Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or pile it into bowls — it always works.

No grill required (but you can!)

No need to fire up the grill unless you want to. A stovetop skillet gives you golden sear and juicy meat, fast. But if you do want those grill marks, you might also love this grilled boneless chicken thighs recipe for another night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

ngredients for Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe arranged on a kitchen counter

The essentials

To make this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe, here’s what you’ll need on hand:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or honey-style works best)
½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional but lovely

Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro — both add a pop of color and brightness right before serving.

Easy swaps from your pantry

No fresh ginger? Skip it or use a pinch of ground. No chicken breast? Thighs work beautifully. You can even sub in cooked meat like rotisserie if time’s tight. This Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe is flexible enough for what you already have. And if you enjoy versatile dishes like this, try these diced chicken breast recipes — they’re built for easy adaptations.

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

1. Mix the sauce

In a medium bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic, grated ginger (if using), and pineapple chunks. This becomes your sweet-savory glaze for the Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe.

Sweet pineapple BBQ sauce for Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe

2. Season the chicken

Pat chicken dry and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. This ensures a flavorful crust when seared — a key to great Hawaiian BBQ chicken texture.

Seasoning chicken for Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe

3. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisped on the edges.

Searing chicken for Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe

4. Simmer in sauce

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway through so the Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe soaks up every bit of flavor.

Simmering Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe in skillet

5. Check doneness & thicken

Use a fork or thermometer to check for doneness (internal temp: 165°F). If needed, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.

Finishing Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe on stove

6. Serve and garnish

Plate your Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot over rice, grilled veggies, or even tucked into a sandwich roll. A sprinkle of green onion or cilantro takes it over the top.

Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe served on a rustic plate

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Pineapple breaks down the chicken gently

Pineapple isn’t just there for sweetness. Its natural enzymes help tenderize the meat, giving you that fork-tender bite even on a busy weeknight.

BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully

Once the sauce simmers, the sugars concentrate and cling to the chicken. That sticky glaze is what makes this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe irresistible — sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of smoky.

A covered simmer = tender every time

Covering the skillet locks in moisture, so even lean chicken breasts stay juicy. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a “slow-cooked” result in just minutes.

Soy sauce deepens the flavor

Just a tablespoon adds depth, cutting through the sweetness and giving balance to every bite.

Garlic + ginger = big aroma in 1 minute

That quick mix of aromatics gives you a bold scent that smells like dinner is ready — fast. It’s a trick I also love in this garlic parmesan chicken pasta — fast, full flavor with zero fuss.

Real-Life Variations and Substitutions

Want it grilled instead?

Just brush the sauce onto chicken during the last few minutes on the grill. It’ll char slightly and add that classic smoky edge. Perfect for summer dinners.

Make it spicy (if you dare)

Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. A little heat balances the sweetness and brings a fun twist to this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe.

Serve it bowl-style with rice or slaw

Scoop the chicken and sauce over white rice, coconut rice, or a tangy slaw. It’s a fun, build-your-own-dinner kind of vibe — and great for leftovers.

Try it in the slow cooker

You can toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3. Shred the chicken when it’s tender and let it soak in the sauce.

Use what you have (frozen, canned, leftovers)

Frozen chicken works fine — just thaw first. Canned pineapple? Totally fine. Leftover grilled chicken? Toss it in the sauce. That’s the beauty of recipes like this or these honey BBQ chicken bowls — they’re flexible on purpose.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the pineapple

Pineapple is delicate — simmering it too long can make it mushy and overly sweet. Add it early, but avoid high heat after it goes in.

Watch your sauce — too hot = burned

Sugar-heavy sauces like this one can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Keep it at a gentle simmer, and stir once or twice to keep the bottom from scorching.

Fresh garlic beats jarred here

Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh cloves give this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe a cleaner, more vibrant flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Not seasoning the chicken first

It’s easy to forget, but seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking builds flavor from the base up. Even with sauce, that first layer matters.

Using the wrong pan

A thin, cheap pan can cause hot spots and burning. Go with a solid skillet — cast iron or nonstick works best. (If you’re not sure, this guide to grilled chicken margherita has great skillet tips.)

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken FAQ

What is Hawaiian BBQ chicken made of?

At its core, it’s chicken (breast or thigh), BBQ sauce, and pineapple. Most versions, including this Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe, also use soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes ginger for balance.

Can I use canned pineapple for Hawaiian BBQ chicken?

Yes! Just make sure to drain it well. Canned pineapple works great, especially when fresh isn’t available. It softens quickly and still gives that sweet, tangy flavor — perfect for this easy Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe.

Is Hawaiian BBQ chicken spicy or sweet?

It’s mostly sweet and smoky, thanks to the pineapple and BBQ sauce. But you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha if you want to turn up the heat.

What sides go well with Hawaiian BBQ chicken?

Rice, slaw, grilled veggies, or even sweet potatoes. This dish pairs especially well with tropical flavors — like coconut rice or pineapple salsa. For something cozy and filling, try this Mexican-style chicken thighs recipe — it brings a similar balance of bold and sweet.

From My Kitchen to Yours

No matter how hectic the day feels, I believe dinner can still bring a little calm — a pause, a breath, a moment at the table.

I’m so grateful you’re here, trying this recipe from my kitchen. Whether you serve it in a bowl, on the grill, or straight from the skillet with kids running wild, I hope it brings a bit of joy to your evening.

Simple meals can be powerful — not just because they feed us, but because they remind us we’re doing okay.

You’ve got this. ❤️

Craving more one-pot wonders? Find me on Facebook and Pinterest — real food, made for real life.