These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds to the islands. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal, these sandwiches feature juicy grilled pineapple and tender chicken coated in a smoky BBQ sauce. Each bite bursts with tropical goodness, making them an instant favorite at any gathering.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- For the Toppings
- For Garnish
- How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
- Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Casual Family Dinner
- Picnic Style
- Game Day Delight
- Tropical Feast
- Catering Option
- How to Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Reheating Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different meat for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
- How do I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches healthier?
- Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
- What toppings go well with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce and grilled pineapple creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, these sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack; they fit any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and fresh veggies, they’re a tasty choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Grill-Friendly: Ideal for outdoor cooking, adding a fun element to your summer gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or skillet
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or skillet: Provides even cooking and enhances the flavor through grilling marks.
- Basting brush: Ensures an even coating of BBQ sauce on the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Meat thermometer: Guarantees that your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F for perfect tenderness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, filleted
- 1 packet KC Masterpiece Sweet Honey BBQ Sauce & Dry Rub
- 2/3 cup pineapple juice
For the Toppings
- 4 slices pineapple, grilled
- 4 slices red onion
- 4 large pieces lettuce
- 4 burger buns
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rub 2 tablespoons of the dry rub onto both sides of the filleted chicken breasts. This will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill or cook the chicken in a greased skillet over medium heat until fully cooked or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This step ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the remaining dry rub with the pineapple juice to form a thick sauce. This mixture will add sweetness and depth to your sandwich.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Brush the sauce generously over the cooked chicken once it’s done. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches
To assemble the sandwiches:
1. Start with a piece of lettuce on the bottom bun.
2. Add the glazed chicken on top.
3. Place a grilled pineapple slice and a slice of red onion over it.
4. Add another piece of lettuce before topping with the other half of the bun.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy these flavorful Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with your family and friends!
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are bursting with tropical flavors and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Casual Family Dinner
- Set up a DIY sandwich bar where everyone can build their own Hawaiian BBQ chicken sandwich with toppings of their choice.
Picnic Style
- Wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper and pack them in a cooler for an easy, flavorful picnic option.
Game Day Delight
- Serve the sandwiches alongside chips and dips for a fun game day spread that everyone will enjoy.
Tropical Feast
- Pair the sandwiches with fruity drinks like piña coladas or mango smoothies to enhance the Hawaiian theme.
Catering Option
- These sandwiches can easily be made in bulk for gatherings or parties, ensuring all guests leave satisfied.
How to Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
To make sure your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are as delicious as possible, follow these helpful tips.
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in pineapple juice and dry rub for at least an hour before grilling.
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh lettuce and ripe pineapples to enhance the taste and texture of your sandwiches.
- Grill the pineapple: Grilling pineapple slices adds caramelization, which intensifies their sweetness and flavor.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or avocado for a unique twist on this classic sandwich.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Pairing your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side that adds crunch and balances the flavors of the sandwich.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, these fries complement the savory barbecue flavors perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and coconut adds freshness to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter offers a sweet contrast that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic side that brings comfort to any summer meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers bring color and nutrition to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold seasoning mistake: Not using enough seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Always rub the dry rub generously on both sides of the chicken.
- Bold cooking temperature error: Cooking the chicken at too high a temperature can cause it to dry out. Use medium heat and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bold assembly oversight: Skipping layers can make your sandwich fall apart. Assemble in the right order—lettuce first, then chicken, pineapple, red onion, and finally the top bun.
- Bold ingredient substitution issue: Using low-quality BBQ sauce can affect flavor. Choose a high-quality sauce like KC Masterpiece for the best results.
- Bold bun choice failure: Using the wrong type of bun can ruin your sandwich. Opt for sturdy burger buns that can hold all the toppings without falling apart.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake wrapped sandwiches for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches.
Can I use different meat for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
Yes, you can substitute pork or turkey if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
How do I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches healthier?
You can use grilled chicken breast without the BBQ sauce or opt for whole-grain buns for added fiber.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken and prepare toppings ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for freshness.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
Consider adding avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also use coleslaw as a crunchy topping.
Final Thoughts
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, you can customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the tropics!
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a taste of the tropics with these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches! This delightful dish combines juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and smoky BBQ sauce, creating a burst of flavor that transports you straight to the islands. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals, these sandwiches are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- KC Masterpiece Sweet Honey BBQ Sauce & Dry Rub
- 2/3 cup pineapple juice
- 4 slices grilled pineapple
- 4 slices red onion
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 4 sturdy burger buns
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rub dry rub seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Grill or pan-cook the chicken until fully cooked (internal temp at 165°F).
- Mix remaining dry rub with pineapple juice to create a sauce.
- Brush the sauce over the cooked chicken generously.
- Assemble sandwiches: lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by glazed chicken, grilled pineapple slice, red onion, more lettuce, and top bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg