Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a sweet and savory tropical treat featuring juicy marinated chicken, grilled pineapple, melted cheese, and fresh toppings on a toasted bun. Bursting with island-inspired flavor, these sandwiches are perfect for a summer cookout or an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: Sweet pineapple and tangy teriyaki chicken make every bite irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, quick cook time—ideal for weeknights.
- Grill-Friendly: Great for outdoor grilling or a stovetop grill pan.
- Crowd Favorite: A fun twist on a classic chicken sandwich that pleases adults and kids alike.
- Make-Ahead Marinade: Prep the chicken the night before for even more flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki marinade or sauce
- 4 slices pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 hamburger or brioche buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced red onion
- Mayonnaise or desired spread
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in teriyaki marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Prep the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, season with salt and pepper, and grill 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
- Grill Pineapple: Place pineapple rings on the grill and cook 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear.
- Toast Buns & Melt Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place buns on the grill to toast. Add cheese to the chicken to melt slightly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread mayo or your favorite sauce on the toasted buns. Layer with lettuce, grilled chicken with melted cheese, grilled pineapple, and red onion.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite sides like sweet potato fries or coleslaw.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ marinate time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinate time)
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or sriracha mayo.
- Bacon Boost: Add a strip or two of crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Different Cheese: Use pepper jack or cheddar for a twist.
- Veggie Option: Substitute with grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based chicken patty.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store grilled chicken and pineapple separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through; reassemble with fresh toppings.
- Freezing: Freeze grilled chicken alone, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just be sure to drain it well before grilling.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Definitely—boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are often juicier.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook it; remove as soon as it hits 165°F internally.
What sauces go well with this sandwich?
Teriyaki mayo, garlic aioli, or a creamy sriracha sauce all pair well.
Can I make these sandwiches in a pan?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan or skillet works just fine if a grill isn’t available.
Are these sandwiches kid-friendly?
Very! Omit spicy additions for a more mild, kid-approved version.
What are the best buns to use?
Brioche or Hawaiian rolls add a slight sweetness that complements the flavors.
Can I meal prep these?
Yes, marinate and grill the chicken ahead, then reheat and assemble sandwiches as needed.
What sides go best with this?
Coleslaw, grilled corn, fries, or even a fresh fruit salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this recipe scales easily for feeding a crowd.
Conclusion
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a tropical twist on the classic sandwich, full of vibrant flavor and easy to make. With juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, melty cheese, and fresh toppings all on a toasted bun, they’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout or family dinner.
PrintGrilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Juicy grilled chicken sandwiches glazed with a sweet-and-savory Hawaiian-style sauce, topped with grilled pineapple and melty cheese—perfect for summer cookouts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional marinate time)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian‑style
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pound to even thickness)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche rolls, toasted
- Butter or oil (for grilling buns)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, sliced red onion, mayo or teriyaki mayo
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and pepper to make the glaze.
- Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to about ½‑inch thickness.
- Brush both sides of chicken with half the glaze; reserve the rest.
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium‑high heat and oil grates.
- Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side, brushing with reserved glaze and turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
- During the last 2 minutes, place pineapple rings on the grill and char lightly, and top each chicken breast with cheese to melt.
- Butter and toast the buns lightly on the grill until golden.
- Assemble sandwiches: spread mayo or teriyaki mayo on buns, layer chicken with melted cheese, top with grilled pineapple and optional lettuce and onion.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate chicken in glaze for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Swap provolone for pepper jack or cheddar for a spicy twist.
- Brush grilled pineapple with glaze for extra caramelization.
- Leftover chicken works great in wraps or salads.
- Can be cooked indoors on a griddle or skillet if no grill is available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg