Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich
The Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring juicy grilled chicken, tangy pineapple, melted Swiss cheese, and zesty sauce on soft Hawaiian buns. This easy-to-make sandwich offers a tropical twist that’s ideal for lunch or dinner and is loved by all ages, providing a delightful combination of textures and tastes that evoke a mini island vacation.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap option)
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
- 4 Hawaiian rolls or buns
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or aioli (tropical-spiced optional)
- 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup teriyaki or barbecue sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (for marinade)
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and pineapple juice in a bowl. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 30 minutes to infuse tropical sweetness and savory depth.
- Grill the Pineapple and Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Grill the pineapple slices alongside until caramelized with visible char marks for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Sandwich Buns: Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls or buns on the grill or in a toaster to add crunch and warmth, improving texture and preventing sogginess.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise or aioli evenly on both the top and bottom buns. Layer lettuce or greens on the bottom bun, then add the grilled chicken. Place a slice of melted Swiss cheese over the hot chicken, followed by a grilled pineapple slice. Drizzle extra teriyaki or barbecue sauce if desired, then cover with the top bun.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the sandwich while warm to appreciate the melty cheese, juicy chicken, and sweet pineapple fusion. Serve with your favorite side dishes or on its own for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer (overnight) for more intense flavor and tenderness.
- Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve a better sear and avoid steaming.
- Use fresh pineapple when possible for a juicier and brighter flavor compared to canned.
- Always toast the buns to add crunch and prevent sogginess from sauces.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices and keep the sandwich moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, pineapple sandwich, tropical sandwich, sweet and savory sandwich, easy chicken recipe