Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken sandwiches that leave you disappointed? I’ve been there too! Hi, I’m Emily from Bikren Cook, and after countless attempts at perfecting the ultimate summer sandwich, I’m thrilled to share my Best Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the tropics. These juicy, flavor-packed sandwiches feature tender chicken that’s marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, then grilled to perfection and topped with grilled pineapple, crisp lettuce, and a creamy spread that ties everything together.
As someone who believes food creates memories around the table, I’ve served these Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches at countless backyard gatherings, and they never fail to impress. In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken cuts, creating the ideal marinade, and mastering the grilling technique that ensures juicy results every time. Plus, I’ll share serving suggestions and variations to suit every preference!
Why These Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Work So Well
These Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches stand out from ordinary grilled chicken recipes for several compelling reasons:
● Uses affordable, boneless chicken thighs or breasts that are widely available
● The tropical marinade tenderizes the meat in just 30 minutes (though longer is even better!)
● Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and impressive weekend cookouts
● The sweet-savory flavor profile appeals to both adults and kids
● Can be prepped ahead for easy assembly when you’re ready to eat
● The combination of juicy chicken, grilled pineapple, and creamy sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors
Choosing the Right Chicken for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Best Cuts for This Recipe
When making Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, your choice of chicken matters significantly. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top recommendation because they stay incredibly juicy when grilled and absorb the marinade beautifully. However, if you prefer white meat, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well too—just be careful not to overcook them.
Buying Tips
Look for chicken with a pinkish hue and no gray spots. Fresh chicken should have minimal odor. For the most flavorful sandwiches, consider purchasing free-range or organic chicken if your budget allows. I recommend buying slightly larger pieces than you think you need, as they’ll shrink during cooking.
Substitutions
If you’re watching your budget, chicken tenderloins can be a good alternative—they cook quickly and stay tender. For a twist, you could even try this marinade with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version of these Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches.
Ingredients & Prep for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Chicken Prep Essentials
Before marinating, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure even cooking. For thighs, trim any excess fat but leave some for flavor and juiciness.
Marinade Ingredients
For the perfect Hawaiian chicken marinade, you’ll need:
- ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh is best, but canned works too)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Whisk all ingredients together and pour over chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
Sandwich Assembly Essentials
For the perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, gather:
- Brioche or Hawaiian sweet buns
- Fresh pineapple rings (about ½-inch thick)
- Crisp lettuce leaves
- Red onion slices
- Creamy sauce (combine ¼ cup mayo, 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1 teaspoon honey)
Looking for more delicious comfort food recipes? Check out my Homemade Mac and Cheese with 5 Secrets for the Creamiest Recipe Ever for your next family dinner!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Pre-Cooking Prep for Hawaiian Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade and pat lightly with paper towels (don’t dry completely).
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while heating your grill.
- Prepare pineapple slices by patting dry to prevent excessive flare-ups on the grill.
- Toast your buns lightly if desired for extra texture.
Grilling Method for Hawaiian Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
- Oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side for thighs, or 4-6 minutes per side for breasts.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- If desired, place buns cut-side down on the cooler part of the grill for 30 seconds to toast.
Doneness Check for Hawaiian Chicken
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. The juices should run clear, and there should be no pink when you cut into the thickest part. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out even the juiciest marinade.
Resting Hawaiian Chicken
Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before assembling your sandwiches. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Pro Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Avoiding Tough or Dry Hawaiian Chicken
- Don’t pierce the chicken while it’s cooking, as this releases valuable juices
- Use the indirect grilling method if your chicken pieces are thicker
- Reserve some marinade (before adding raw chicken) to brush on during the last minute of grilling for extra moisture and flavor
- Consider brining the chicken for 1-2 hours before marinating for extra juiciness
Tool Recommendations for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
A reliable meat thermometer is essential for perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches. Long-handled tongs help manage the chicken safely, and a silicone brush is perfect for applying extra marinade. If you don’t have a grill, a well-seasoned cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully for indoor cooking.
If you love this recipe, you’ll find more delicious inspiration on my Pinterest page where I share all my favorite seasonal recipes and cooking tips!
Storage & Reheating Hawaiian Chicken
Leftover assembled sandwiches don’t store well, but the components can be refrigerated separately. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap chicken loosely in foil with a splash of pineapple juice and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until just heated through. Microwaving will work in a pinch but may toughen the meat.
Flavor Variations for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Spicy Hawaiian Twist
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or sambal oelek to the marinade for a spicy kick. You can also include thinly sliced jalapeños as a sandwich topping or mix red pepper flakes into your mayo spread. For serious heat lovers, a dash of ghost pepper sauce in the marinade will definitely fire things up!
Healthier Options
For a lighter version of these Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, use lettuce wraps instead of buns, swap the mayo-based sauce for Greek yogurt with a touch of honey and lime juice, or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Grilled zucchini or bell peppers make great additional toppings that add nutrition and color.
Global Flavor Inspirations
| Variation | Marinade Addition | Toppings | Sauce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teriyaki | Add 2 tbsp mirin | Avocado slices | Teriyaki glaze |
| Caribbean | Add allspice & thyme | Mango salsa | Lime cilantro aioli |
| Korean | Add gochujang | Kimchi slaw | Sesame mayo |
| Mediterranean | Add oregano & lemon | Cucumber, feta | Tzatziki |
Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
These Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches pair beautifully with so many sides! For a tropical-themed meal, serve with sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon, a colorful mango slaw, or grilled corn on the cob with lime butter. A simple green salad with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
For beverages, tropical fruit smoothies are perfect for family meals, or try pineapple-infused iced tea for a refreshing option. For dessert, consider grilled pineapple brushed with cinnamon sugar and served with vanilla ice cream.
Speaking of delicious flavor combinations, have you tried my Stuffed Shells with Pumpkin Cream Sauce? It’s another family favorite that brings together unexpected flavors!
FAQs About Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance (though after 24 hours, the acidity may start affecting texture). You can also grill the chicken and pineapple a day ahead, refrigerate, and then gently reheat before assembling. The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.
How do I fix dry Hawaiian Chicken?
If your chicken turned out drier than expected, there are a few rescue tactics: slice it thinly across the grain, add extra sauce to your sandwich, or quickly toss the sliced chicken in warmed pineapple juice or chicken broth before assembling your sandwiches.
Can I use canned pineapple for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches?
Absolutely! While fresh pineapple delivers the best flavor and texture for grilling, canned pineapple rings (preferably in juice, not syrup) work well too. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat dry before grilling to prevent flare-ups.
What’s the best bread for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches?
Hawaiian sweet rolls or brioche buns complement these sandwiches perfectly with their slight sweetness. However, ciabatta rolls offer nice texture, and whole grain buns add heartiness. For a fun twist, try grilled slices of pineapple as your “bun” for a low-carb option!
For another amazing comfort food recipe, check out my Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff – it’s perfect for those days when you want something satisfying with minimal effort!
Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe
While we’re focused on Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches today, I wanted to mention that this marinade concept works beautifully for other proteins too! Stay tuned for my fall-apart tender Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs recipe coming soon to the blog!
Let’s Make Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches!
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the Best Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, it’s time to fire up your grill and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise! The combination of juicy marinated chicken, sweet grilled pineapple, and creamy sauce creates a sandwich experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Remember that cooking is about creating memories around the table. These Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches have been the centerpiece of countless happy gatherings in my home, and I hope they bring the same joy to yours. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and tag #BikrenCook on social media—I’d love to see your take on this recipe!
Looking for more inspiration? Browse my collection of family-friendly recipes that bring people together, one delicious meal at a time.