Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches combine juicy marinated chicken, sweet grilled pineapple, and tangy sauces on soft buns to deliver a vibrant, tropical flavor explosion in under 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners or BBQs, this quick and easy recipe features fresh ingredients and a smoky char that elevates the sandwich to an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Grilled Toppings
- 4 fresh pineapple slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Buns and Condiments
- 4 slider buns or sandwich rolls
- Mayonnaise or aioli (to spread)
Fresh Additions
- Leafy greens or lettuce
- Red onion slices (optional)
- Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for a juicy, tender bite. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with that signature sweet and savory Hawaiian essence.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. A properly heated grill ensures that beautiful sear marks form and seals in the chicken’s moisture.
- Grill Chicken and Pineapple: Place the marinated chicken onto the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). At the same time, grill the pineapple slices just long enough to get caramelized edges and a smoky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast your sandwich buns on the grill for that added texture and warmth, giving your sandwich a subtle crunch and rich aroma.
- Assemble Your Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise or aioli over the bottom bun, layer on the grilled chicken, top with a slice of grilled pineapple, some fresh lettuce, and red onion slices if you like. Finish with the top bun and get ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple won’t give the same caramelized and juicy effect as fresh slices on the grill.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid dryness; use a meat thermometer to aim for 165°F internally.
- Add a Smoky Touch: Use wood chips or a charcoal grill to impart extra depth to the chicken and pineapple.
- Rest the Chicken: Let grilled chicken rest a few minutes before assembling to lock in the juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Grilled chicken, Hawaiian sandwich, pineapple, teriyaki, tropical, BBQ, quick recipe