Turn any weeknight into a tropical escape with these Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches! Juicy, marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a tangy-sweet barbecue glaze all stacked high—every bite is a celebration of bold flavors and bright colors that just scream summer, no matter the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sunshine on a Plate: Every bite of these Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches bursts with savory, tangy, and sweet tropical flavors—like a little vacation between two buns!
- Super Easy Marinade: The barbecue-pineapple marinade comes together in minutes and does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple chicken breast into something incredible with hardly any effort.
- Fresh, Colorful, and Satisfying: With juicy grilled pineapple, vibrant greens, spicy jalapeño, and crisp red onion, every sandwich looks gorgeous and tastes even better.
- Perfect for Sharing: These sandwiches are hearty enough for a backyard BBQ spread, but simple enough for a weeknight treat—everyone will want seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of fresh, flavor-packed ingredients to whip up these irresistibly juicy Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches. Each component plays a starring role, from the zingy marinade to the pop of color from the veggies—no fancy groceries or special runs required!
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: These are lean, easy to grill, and soak up the marinade beautifully for the most juicy, flavorful bite.
- Barbecue sauce: The base of your marinade—choose a sauce you love, as its tangy-sweet flavor sets the tone for the whole sandwich.
- Pineapple juice: Naturally sweet and tart, it tenderizes the chicken and brings real island flair to every mouthful.
- Soy sauce: Adds a subtle punch of umami and salt, rounding out the sweet and smoky notes in the marinade.
- Garlic & fresh ginger: These aromatics infuse the chicken with a warm, zesty kick—don’t skip ’em!
- Sriracha (optional): If you like a little heat, this is your moment, but you can dial it up or down to suit your taste.
- Pineapple, sliced: Fresh pineapple grills up sweet and caramelized—an absolute must for true Hawaiian flavor.
- Reduced calorie hamburger rolls: Soft enough to soak up the sauce, sturdy enough to hold all the good stuff inside.
- Red onion, sliced: For crunch and a little bit of bite, red onion is the perfect finishing touch.
- Jalapeño, sliced: Adds a bright, fresh heat that wakes up every bite—use as much or as little as you’d like.
- Greens (your choice): A handful of crisp greens keeps things fresh and balances the richness of the other toppings.
Variations
One of the best things about Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches? They’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to play with the flavors and textures—there are so many ways to make this recipe fit your cravings, ingredient swaps, or even dietary preferences.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for thick slabs of grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms—both soak up the marinade and grill beautifully.
- Gluten-free option: Choose gluten-free rolls and double-check that your soy sauce and barbecue sauce are certified GF—it’s that easy.
- Go tropical deluxe: Add a slice of melty pepper jack or Swiss cheese right at the end of grilling for a luscious, gooey bonus.
- Spicy twist: Interested in extra heat? Toss a few pineapple slices in cayenne before grilling and/or add a smear of spicy mayo on the bun.
How to Make Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and Sriracha. Add the chicken breasts and toss well so they’re thoroughly coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—or for the most intense flavor bomb, leave them overnight in the fridge. This step is magic: it makes the chicken super juicy and absolutely packed with flavor.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Pineapple
When you’re ready to get cooking, fire up your grill (or a grill pan). Shake excess marinade off each piece of chicken, then lightly spray your pineapple slices with cooking spray. Lay the chicken and pineapple on the hot grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is golden with delicious caramelized grill marks. If your chicken breasts are on the thinner side, check for doneness a bit earlier!
Step 3: Make a Flavorful Drizzle
Don’t let that leftover marinade go to waste! Pour it into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy—this makes an irresistible sauce to drizzle on your finished sandwiches. Boiling it ensures it’s totally safe to eat and concentrates all those big bold flavors.
Step 4: Build the Sandwiches
Now for the fun part! On each hamburger roll, stack a bed of fresh greens, a grilled chicken breast, a few rings of that smoky-sweet pineapple, red onion slices, and jalapeño. Finish with a generous drizzle of your homemade barbecue sauce. Put the top bun on, press it all together, and get ready for pure sandwich joy.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
- Extra Juicy Chicken: If your chicken breasts are quite thick, butterfly them (slice horizontally) for even cooking and more surface area for that tasty marinade to penetrate.
- Perfect Pineapple Charring: Make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding pineapple—this gives you those gorgeous grill marks and deep, caramelized flavor without turning the fruit mushy.
- Sauce Like a Pro: Always boil leftover marinade before serving as a sauce—this step is crucial for both safety and flavor, plus it thickens the glaze to perfection.
- Toast Those Buns: Lightly grill or toast your hamburger rolls for a few minutes just before assembly—this adds crunch, prevents sogginess, and brings out the nuttiness in the bread.
How to Serve Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Garnishes
Go big on color and crunch! Sprinkle your finished grilled Hawaiian chicken sandwiches with a scatter of chopped cilantro or fresh basil for a hit of green and freshness. If you crave extra brightness, try a squeeze of fresh lime over the top, or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or even grilled corn on the cob. For a lighter touch, offer crunchy coleslaw or a fresh fruit salad with mango or melon to keep the tropical theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring on summer party vibes by serving the sandwiches on a big platter garnished with whole grilled pineapple rings for a fun, festive look. Or, slice each sandwich in half and skewer with a colorful cocktail pick—perfect for sharing at a picnic or backyard barbecue. Want to make them mini? Use slider rolls and make an adorable tray of Hawaiian chicken sliders for your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras (lucky you!), store the grilled chicken, pineapple, and any unused sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making tomorrow’s lunch a true treat.
Freezing
The marinated and grilled chicken freezes beautifully—just cool completely and wrap tightly before freezing for up to 2 months. Pineapple, however, is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change its texture. Assemble the sandwiches fresh for best results!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Warm the pineapple briefly as well, then build your sandwich as usual—your tastebuds will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple slices work well and are super convenient—just be sure to pat them dry before grilling so you still get that irresistible char and caramelization.
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What’s the best way to grill the chicken if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
If you don’t have access to a grill, a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stove works beautifully. Preheat over medium-high heat and cook as directed, ensuring nice browning on each side.
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Can I prep any part of these sandwiches ahead?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated and even grilled up to two days ahead of time. Store all toppings and sauce separately, then quickly assemble and warm just before serving for max flavor and juiciness.
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Are Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches spicy?
The basic sandwich is just a tiny bit spicy from the Sriracha and jalapeño, but both are totally adjustable. Leave out the heat for a family-friendly version, or pile it on if you love spice!
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches never fail to brighten up my day, and I can’t wait for you to taste them. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard gathering or just craving something extra-special for dinner, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll feel like you’re dining in paradise!
Print
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 Min
- Cook Time: 10 Min
- Total Time: 40 Min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Tender grilled chicken, juicy pineapple, and zesty barbecue sauce come together in a perfect harmony of taste.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tbsp pineapple juice
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp Sriracha (optional, more to taste)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple, sliced
- 4 reduced-calorie hamburger rolls
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 2 cups greens
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Grill the Chicken and Pineapple: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill along with the pineapple slices for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the excess marinade into a saucepan, bring to a boil, and let cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly reduced. Serve drizzled on the sandwiches.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the grilled chicken and pineapple on the hamburger rolls with sliced red onion, jalapeno, greens, and a drizzle of the homemade barbecue sauce.
Notes
- For thinner chicken, cook for less time on each side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
