
Savor the Tropical Delights of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls
Embark on a delicious adventure with these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls, where smoky barbecue flavors meet the sweetness of fresh pineapple and the crunch of colorful bell peppers. This dish merges savory, sweet, and tangy notes into a comforting yet vibrant meal. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.
Whether enjoyed fresh off the stove or reheated the next day, these bowls bring the warmth of island flavors right to your dinner table. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and caramelized pineapple creates a harmony of taste that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Ideal for a casual dinner, a quick lunch, or a meal prep option, this recipe encapsulates the spirit of tropical cooking. Ready to elevate your weeknight menu with a dish that blends fun and flavor? Let’s dive into this colorful and satisfying recipe.
Flavorful and Easy: Your New Go-To Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls not only deliver bold flavors but also showcase the simplicity of one-pan cooking. With just six main ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels gourmet without the stress. The barbecue sauce ties everything together, enhancing the natural sweetness of pineapple and the tenderness of chicken.
Not just a recipe, this is a gateway to creative cooking. You can swap in quinoa for rice, add zucchini or snap peas, or even use shrimp instead of chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create variations while keeping the essence of the Hawaiian-inspired flavor intact.
Here’s how you can bring these bold flavors to life, complete with tips to ensure every bite turns out perfectly.
Serving suggestions: Serve over steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls
- Caramelize the Pineapple: Let the pineapple cook just long enough to develop golden edges and intensify its natural sweetness.
- Use Good BBQ Sauce: A smoky or slightly spicy barbecue sauce balances the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.
- Cook Chicken First: Remove the chicken once cooked to avoid overcooking it when adding vegetables and sauce later.
- Maintain Veggie Crunch: Keep bell peppers slightly crisp for texture contrast and a fresher flavor.
- Make Ahead for Meal Prep: These bowls reheat well, so store portions in containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment: Large sauté pan, mixing bowls, knife, cutting board
With these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls, your kitchen will transform into a tropical haven filled with sweet and savory aromas.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 bell peppers (one yellow, one red), cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅔ cup good-quality BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought
- Optional toppings: lemon slices, finely chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink inside. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Stir in the bell peppers and onion, cooking for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Pineapple: Toss in the pineapple pieces and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the BBQ sauce, tossing all ingredients until evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and Adjust: Season with extra salt or pepper as needed. Add more BBQ sauce for stronger flavor if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the mixture over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with cilantro and lemon slices for a bright finish.
Ready to Relish!
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls bring together the best of sweet and savory in a single dish. The juicy chicken pairs wonderfully with crisp peppers and tangy pineapple, while the smoky barbecue sauce ties everything together. The vibrant colors and flavors make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls
With these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls, your kitchen will transform into a tropical haven filled with sweet and savory aromas.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 bell peppers (one yellow, one red), cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small red onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized pieces
⅔ cup good-quality BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought
Optional toppings: lemon slices, finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink inside. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Stir in the bell peppers and onion, cooking for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
-
Add Pineapple: Toss in the pineapple pieces and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender.
-
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the BBQ sauce, tossing all ingredients until evenly coated and heated through.
-
Taste and Adjust: Season with extra salt or pepper as needed. Add more BBQ sauce for stronger flavor if desired.
-
Serve: Spoon the mixture over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with cilantro and lemon slices for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes