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Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches offer a delightful combination of tender, marinated grilled chicken breasts paired with sweet, caramelized pineapple slices. Enveloped in soft sandwich buns and complemented by fresh leafy greens, red onion, and a creamy spread, these sandwiches deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a tropical twist. Quick to prepare and ideal for warm weather meals or gatherings, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Marinade

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

Produce

  • 4 fresh pineapple slices
  • Leafy greens (lettuce or spinach), a handful per sandwich
  • Red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)

Bread & Spreads

  • 4 soft sandwich buns
  • Mayonnaise or aioli, optional (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce for at least 20 minutes, allowing the sweet and savory flavors to soak in and tenderize the meat.
  2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure perfect cooking temperatures for both the chicken and pineapple slices.
  3. Grill Chicken and Pineapple: Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred and fully cooked through. Grill the pineapple slices alongside until caramelized and juicy.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich: Layer leafy greens, grilled chicken, pineapple slices, red onion, and a spread of mayonnaise or aioli on the sandwich buns. Top with the other half of the bun and press slightly to meld flavors.
  5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches hot off the grill for maximum juiciness and flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Marinade: Letting the chicken sit in teriyaki sauce infuses it with unforgettable flavor and keeps it moist.
  • Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking and get those signature grill marks by lightly oiling the grill before cooking.
  • Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh slices caramelize better on the grill and add a fresher sweetness than canned versions.
  • Rest the Chicken: Letting grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing locks in juices and improves tenderness.
  • Customize Your Heat: Add spicy mayo or hot sauce for an extra punch if desired.
  • Variations to Try: Add jalapeños or sriracha for spice; use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for dietary needs; add cheese like provolone or mozzarella; replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option; incorporate mango slices or coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken sandwich, Hawaiian sandwich, teriyaki chicken, pineapple sandwich, summer meal, backyard BBQ