Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

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Say aloha to one of the juiciest, most flavorful grilled chicken sandwiches you’ll ever make. These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches pack the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes—all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun. With caramelized grilled pineapple, tender chicken breasts marinated in a tropical-inspired sauce, and a slathering of BBQ glaze, each bite takes you straight to a summer paradise.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard cookout or just craving a tropical twist on your weeknight dinner, this sandwich delivers bold flavor without a fuss. The combination of the char-grilled chicken and the burst of sweet pineapple is what makes it so crave-worthy.

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What Kind of Chicken Works Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this sandwich since they cook evenly on the grill and are lean yet juicy when marinated properly. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and offer a richer flavor. Just be sure to pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.

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Ingredients for the Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

Chicken Breasts
The star of the show. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts provide a tender, lean base that soaks up the sweet and tangy marinade perfectly.

Pineapple Rings
Fresh or canned, grilled pineapple adds juicy sweetness and a slight char that contrasts beautifully with the smoky chicken.

Hawaiian BBQ Sauce
A tropical BBQ sauce—either store-bought or homemade—brings the signature flavor. It adds moisture, sweetness, and that iconic island-style tang.

Red Onion Slices
Raw red onion adds a sharp crunch that balances the soft textures of the sandwich.

Burger Buns
A soft, slightly sweet bun (brioche or Hawaiian rolls work great) is the ideal vehicle to hold all the juicy components together.

Fresh Cilantro (optional)
For a hint of herbal freshness and a pop of color.

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How To Make the Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together Hawaiian BBQ sauce with a splash of pineapple juice in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Prep the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste with extra BBQ sauce as it cooks.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

Add the pineapple rings to the grill during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until lightly caramelized and grill-marked.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Lightly butter the insides of the buns and place them face-down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Layer grilled chicken, pineapple, red onion, and fresh cilantro onto the toasted buns. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired, top with the bun, and serve warm.

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Serving and Storing Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

These sandwiches are best served hot off the grill when the juices are at their peak and the pineapple is still caramelized. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the grilled components separate and assemble just before eating to preserve texture.

Leftover grilled chicken and pineapple can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, then re-toast the buns before serving. Avoid storing assembled sandwiches, as the buns may become soggy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. You won’t get the same smoky char, but it still turns out delicious.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Look for a Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce that features pineapple or mango. Sweet and tangy is the goal here. You can also mix regular BBQ sauce with a bit of pineapple juice.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Absolutely. Just drain the rings well and pat them dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and double-check that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, grilled chicken freezes well. Wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Is there a vegetarian version of this?

Try using grilled halloumi or marinated tofu in place of the chicken. Pair it with the same toppings for a tropical vegetarian sandwich.

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Want More Sandwich Ideas?

You might also like the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, loaded with creamy ranch and crispy bacon layers. Or for a sweet-and-savory handheld, the One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta transforms BBQ flavors into pasta form.

For more bite-sized fun, explore the Cheeseburger Sliders that bring game-day energy to your table. And if you’re leaning into spicy, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta delivers a fiery twist.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your sandwich or grilling boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use homemade BBQ sauce? Did you add jalapeños or tweak the toppings? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others grill it.

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