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Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

The Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich is a delicious blend of juicy, smoky grilled chicken paired with sweet caramelized pineapple, savory teriyaki glaze, and fresh, colorful toppings like lettuce and red onion. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a quick meal, this sandwich offers a tropical, island-inspired flavor that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Sauces

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli

Produce

  • 4 fresh pineapple slices (rings or chunks)
  • 1 cup leafy lettuce leaves
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Bread

  • 4 sweet Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This infuses the chicken with sweet and savory flavors that are key to the sandwich’s signature taste.
  2. Prep the Pineapple and Grill: Slice fresh pineapple into rings or chunks and grill them alongside the chicken. Grilling caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, intensifying its sweetness and adding a smoky undertone.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill to medium-high and cook the marinated chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Aim for a nice char without drying out the meat.
  4. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sweet Hawaiian buns on the grill for a minute or two until they are golden and slightly crisp, which helps hold up against the juicy fillings.
  5. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise or aioli on each bun half, then layer lettuce, grilled chicken, pineapple slices, and a few thin slices of red onion. Top with the other bun half and press gently to combine all the layers.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for better texture and natural sweetness instead of canned pineapple.
  • Don’t skip marinating the chicken to ensure deep flavor and tender meat.
  • Keep the grill clean to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
  • Control the heat to cook chicken evenly without burning the pineapple.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled chicken sandwich, Hawaiian chicken, teriyaki chicken sandwich, pineapple sandwich, BBQ sandwich, tropical sandwich