The Juicy Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe You Need

Summers call for epic backyard feasts, and these grilled Hawaiian chicken sandwiches pack a tropical punch of flavor.

Succulent chicken marinated in a zesty Hawaiian-inspired blend creates an instant crowd-pleaser.

Sweet and tangy pineapple slices complement the juicy chicken perfectly.

Each bite bursts with rich, vibrant ingredients that dance across your palate.

Grilling adds a smoky char that elevates the sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

The combination of tender meat, caramelized fruit, and fresh toppings promises a mouthwatering experience.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and make these sandwiches your new summer staple.

Ingredients Checklist for Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that serves as the main component of the sandwich and absorbs the Hawaiian-inspired marinade flavors.

• Barbecue Sauce, Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce: A sweet, tangy, and savory liquid mixture that tenderizes the chicken and adds depth of flavor.
• Minced Garlic, Minced Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a zesty and warm undertone to the marinade.
• Sriracha: A spicy hot sauce that adds a kick of heat to the marinade.
• Cooking Spray: A light lubricant that prevents the pineapple from sticking to the grill.

• Hamburger Rolls: The base of the sandwich that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
• Mixed Greens: Fresh leafy vegetables that add crispness and nutrition to the sandwich.
• Pineapple Slices: Grilled fruit that brings a caramelized sweetness and tropical touch to the dish.
• Red Onion, Jalapeno: Vegetables that contribute sharp and spicy flavor elements to the sandwich.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Perfect Hawaiian Sandwiches

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken and pineapple with perfect char marks.
• Saucepan: Needed to reduce marinade into a delicious glaze.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and pineapple on the grill safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately mix marinade ingredients.
• Cutting board: Use for slicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for slicing pineapple and onions.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

Step-by-Step: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich Assembly

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor Explosion

• Barbecue sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Minced ginger
• Sriracha sauce

Submerge chicken completely in this zesty mixture.

Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your grill to medium-high heat.

Shake off excess marinade from the chicken.

Lightly mist pineapple slices with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Grill chicken until it’s perfectly cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side.

Simultaneously, grill pineapple slices until they develop beautiful caramelized grill marks, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce Reduction

Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Cook until the sauce transforms into a slightly thickened glaze that will make your taste buds dance, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Masterpiece

Optional: Lightly toast your hamburger rolls for extra crunch.

Begin layering your sandwich with a bed of fresh mixed greens.

Add the perfectly grilled chicken, followed by the caramelized pineapple slices.

Sprinkle with thinly sliced red onion and add some sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Finish by drizzling the reduced barbecue glaze over the top, creating a sandwich that screams tropical paradise.

Secrets for the Best Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

• Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight to deeply infuse Hawaiian-inspired tastes throughout the meat.
• Always boil leftover marinade to kill bacteria and create a rich, concentrated glaze for extra sandwich excitement.
• Pat pineapple slices dry before grilling to achieve beautiful caramelized marks and prevent steaming instead of charring.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing juicy, safe-to-eat protein every single time.
• Build sandwiches with greens on bottom to prevent bun sogginess and maintain delicious structural integrity.

Flavor Variations to Try With Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

• Vegetarian Hawaiian Sandwich: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, marinated in the same Hawaiian-inspired sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hamburger rolls and tamari instead of soy sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Spicy Caribbean Remix: Swap barbecue sauce with jerk marinade, add rum-soaked pineapple, and include scotch bonnet peppers for a fiery Caribbean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Serve grilled chicken and pineapple inside large butter lettuce leaves, skipping the bun for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal option.

Creative Ways to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

• Tropical Taste Explosion: Top grilled pineapple with extra jalapeno slices for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Island-Style Side Companion: Serve alongside coconut rice or crispy sweet potato wedges to complement the Hawaiian flavors.
• Refreshing Drink Pairing: Blend a quick mango smoothie or pour a cold passion fruit iced tea to balance the sandwich's rich taste.
• Quick Flavor Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts over the sandwich for an authentic Hawaiian crunch and nutty depth.

How to Keep Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Fresh

• Store leftover grilled chicken and pineapple in airtight containers, separating meats and fruits. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or turkey. Just ensure the meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature for food safety.

• Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce or omit the Sriracha sauce from the marinade. You can also remove the jalapeno when assembling the sandwich to lower the heat level.

• How can I make this recipe if I don't have a grill?

Use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or indoor electric grill. These alternatives will still provide good caramelization and flavor to the chicken and pineapple.

• What can I do if I don't have pineapple juice for the marinade?

You can substitute with orange juice or apple juice. Each will bring a slightly different but still sweet and tangy flavor to the marinade.

Why Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Are Always a Hit

• Dive into a mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce and zesty pineapple that transforms ordinary chicken into an island-inspired delight.
• Master this recipe with minimal prep and straightforward grilling techniques that make you look like a pro chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or add personal touches to create a perfectly personalized meal that suits every taste bud in the family.
• Perfect for backyard gatherings, weekend cookouts, or casual dinners that bring everyone together with bold, exciting flavors and colorful presentation.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian grilled chicken sandwiches showcase tropical flavors with juicy marinated poultry nestled between toasted buns. Pineapple, teriyaki glaze, and fresh toppings create an island-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast

Marinade:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) barbecue sauce
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) sriracha (optional)

Sandwich Components:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) pineapple, sliced
• 4 reduced calorie hamburger rolls
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, sliced
• 2 cups (474 milliliters) mixed greens

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Instructions

1. Craft the marinade by whisking together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha in a mixing bowl. Submerge chicken completely and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 400°F. Remove chicken, letting excess marinade drip off. Lightly coat pineapple slices with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Simultaneously grill pineapple slices until golden and caramelized, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
4. Transfer remaining marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to rapid boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
5. Optional: Briefly toast hamburger rolls to enhance texture and flavor. Layer each roll with crisp mixed greens, perfectly grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple, thinly sliced red onion, and spicy jalapeño rings.
6. Finish by generously drizzling reduced barbecue glaze over assembled sandwiches, ensuring each bite is packed with tropical Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Enhance Marinade Depth by letting chicken soak overnight, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat completely.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination always use separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw chicken and grilling ingredients.
• Customize Heat Levels by adjusting Sriracha quantity or removing jalapeños for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
• Create Gluten-Free Option by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking barbecue sauce ingredients for potential wheat-based additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg