How do you make a grilled Hawaiian chicken sandwich step-by-step?

To make a grilled Hawaiian chicken sandwich, start by frying thick black pepper bacon until crispy. Grill pineapple slices until lightly charred for a smoky flavor. Prepare a pineapple BBQ sauce by simmering pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and BBQ sauce until thickened. Brush the sauce onto chicken thighs and grill until fully cooked. Toast the sandwich buns, then layer lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pineapple, bacon, and the chicken before serving.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this sandwich?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs. If your breasts are large, slice them in half horizontally to fit the bun and ensure even cooking. Thighs remain moister and cook faster due to higher fat content, but breasts work well if managed carefully to avoid drying out.

What’s the best way to make pineapple BBQ sauce for this sandwich?

Combine pineapple juice from canned slices, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, crushed red pepper, and grated fresh ginger in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half. Use half the sauce to baste the chicken during grilling and reserve the rest for serving, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that's key to the sandwich.

Can I prepare parts of the sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare toppings like caramelized onions and fried bacon in advance to save time. The pineapple BBQ sauce can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated. However, it’s best to marinate and grill the chicken the same day to maintain its juiciness and texture.

What are some good side dishes to serve with a grilled Hawaiian chicken sandwich?

Popular sides include a fresh green salad with crunchy vegetables, baked regular or sweet potato fries, grilled mixed vegetables tossed with olive oil and seasoning, or a crisp coleslaw. These options complement the sweet-savory flavors of the sandwich and add a refreshing balance to the meal.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches With Pineapple Flavor

Name: Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich Recipe with Grilled Flavor and Tropical Twist
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or small bun-sized chicken breasts; 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices in 100% pineapple juice, drained (juice reserved); 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated; 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp; 6 toasted buns, buttered; Tomato slices (2 Roma or medium-sized); Lettuce leaves (about 6 pieces of green leaf or other preferred lettuce); Sliced red onion, grilled if desired

Ingredients

Scale

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or small bun-sized chicken breasts
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices in 100% pineapple juice, drained (juice reserved)
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp
6 toasted buns, buttered
Tomato slices (2 Roma or medium-sized)
Lettuce leaves (about 6 pieces of green leaf or other preferred lettuce)
Sliced red onion, grilled if desired

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the sauce thickens and reduces by half. Remove from heat and stir in grated ginger.
2. Pour half the sauce into a bowl for serving and reserve the other half for basting the chicken.
3. Marinate the chicken in one-third of the sauce in a large ziplock bag for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
4. Preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes, then reduce to medium and oil the grill grate.
5. Grill pineapple slices until charred and heated through, turning once. Remove and set aside.
6. Grill chicken thighs or breasts, basting occasionally with reserved sauce, until well charred and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Optional: Grill red onion slices for added flavor.
8. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading barbecue sauce on toasted buns. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, grilled onion, grilled chicken, pineapple rings, and crispy bacon. Serve with extra sauce for drizzling or dipping.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔥 Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more affordable meat, or opt for small breasts for convenience.
🍍 Marinate the chicken longer to deepen flavors.
🌶 Adjust spiciness with Sriracha or jalapeños for added heat.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Diet: Poultry

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 185-290
Sugar: 11-15 grams
Sodium: 416-761 milligrams
Fat: 2-5 grams
Saturated Fat: 0-1 gram
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: 12-37 grams
Fiber: 0.3-4 grams
Protein: 22-29 grams
Cholesterol: N/A