Description
These Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches perfectly blend juicy grilled chicken with sweet caramelized pineapple rings, melted provolone cheese, and a creamy mayo spread, all nestled inside sturdy Kaiser rolls. Marinated in a tangy mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, the chicken is tender and flavorful, making this sandwich an ideal choice to elevate your BBQ game.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast cutlets
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Toppings and Buns
- 1 can canned pineapple rings
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 tablespoons mayo
- 4 pieces Kaiser rolls
Instructions
- Preparation: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, canola or vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce until the marinade is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breast cutlets into a large sealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and pineapple rings for caramelization.
- Grill the Chicken and Pineapple: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Grill the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely seared and cooked through. Concurrently, add the canned pineapple rings to the grill to caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Check Doneness and Melt Cheese: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing it is safely cooked. Place a slice of provolone cheese on each chicken cutlet during the last minute of grilling until melted.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayo evenly on both the top and bottom halves of each Kaiser roll. Layer each sandwich with a grilled chicken cutlet topped with melted provolone cheese and caramelized pineapple rings.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches hot immediately after assembly for the best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours helps tenderize and deepen the flavors; overnight marination is also excellent if time allows.
- Use a digital thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade or add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Kaiser rolls work well for their sturdiness, but brioche buns can add a richer texture.
- Grilling pineapple enhances sweetness and complements the savory chicken, but you can also broil pineapple rings if a grill is unavailable.
