Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
These Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches combine juicy grilled chicken breasts with sweet caramelized pineapple slices, melty cheese, and fresh greens, all layered on soft toasted hamburger buns with creamy mayonnaise or aioli. Ready in under 30 minutes, this fast and easy recipe brings tropical island flavors to your table, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both flavorful and customizable.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling / Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian / Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 4 fresh pineapple slices
- Leafy lettuce or spinach (to preference)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, sliced avocado, mango, fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Bakery
- 2 hamburger buns, soft and slightly toasted
- Optional gluten-free bread or large lettuce leaves for wraps (gluten-free option)
Dairy
- 2 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
Condiments & Sauces
- Mayonnaise or aioli (enough to spread on buns)
- Optional: teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional herbs of choice (e.g., garlic, soy sauce for marinade)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and juicy. Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing to retain tenderness.
- Grill the Pineapple: While the chicken cooks, grill the fresh pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred, enhancing their sweetness.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or toaster oven until they develop a slight crunch, preventing sogginess when assembling.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise or your chosen sauce on the bottom bun. Layer leafy lettuce or spinach, sliced chicken breast, grilled pineapple slices, and cheese. Top with the bun lid and gently press together to combine the flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate in soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
- Rest the chicken: Letting the cooked chicken rest redistributes juices, ensuring tenderness.
- Use ripe pineapple: Sweet and ripe pineapple is key to balancing savory components.
- Toast buns properly: Lightly toasting buns prevents sogginess and adds texture.
- Customize sauces: Enhance flavor by trying teriyaki glaze or Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, tropical sandwich, pineapple chicken sandwich, quick dinner, easy lunch, family-friendly sandwich