Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Bring tropical flavors to your table with Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches! Juicy chicken, pineapple, and bacon make an irresistible meal.
Servings: 3 servings
Equipment
- small container (for reserved sauce)
- digital instant read food thermometer optional, but nice to have
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 chicken breasts thin cut
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- 3 romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 small tomato sliced
- 6 slices crispy bacon
- 3 pineapple ring slices
- 3 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, mix the pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator.
- Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the sauce, coating well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Do not marinate longer, or the chicken may become mushy.
- Preheat the grill or skillet. Preheat your grill to medium high (about 375°F) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Bring chicken to room temperature. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Grill the chicken and pineapple. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. At the same time, grill pineapple slices for about 2 minutes per side.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Layer each bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, grilled chicken, bacon, pineapple, and red onion.
- Add sauce and serve. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the sandwich fillings, top with the bun, and serve warm.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store cooked chicken, bacon, pineapple, and sliced vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Keep burger buns at room temperature in a sealed bag or container.
- Assembled sandwiches should be eaten the same day for the best texture.
- Leftovers are best enjoyed within 3 days.
♨️ REHEATING
- Reheat chicken and bacon separately in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Microwave the chicken at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Warm pineapple slices briefly in the microwave or on a skillet.
- Toast buns lightly before assembling for the best texture.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze grilled chicken only in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Do not freeze assembled sandwiches or fresh vegetables.
- Thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Do not marinate chicken for more than 1 hour to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Grill the pineapple for caramelized flavor and beautiful char marks.
- Add the reserved sauce just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Oven: Bake marinated chicken at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Skillet: Pan-sear over medium heat with a little oil, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Indoor grill pan: Works great if you do not have an outdoor grill.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Chop leftover chicken and use it in wraps, salads, or rice bowls.
- Crumble bacon over baked potatoes or add it to omelets.
- Use grilled pineapple in salsas, smoothies, or as a side dish.
- Refresh sandwich components by reheating separately and reassembling just before eating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 1875mg | Potassium: 1442mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 3054IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 4mg
