Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches bring together juicy, marinated chicken breast cutlets and sweet, caramelized pineapple for a perfect balance of savory and tropical flavors. Topped with melted provolone and a touch of mayo, they make a quick and delicious meal ready in under 15 minutes of grilling.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast cutlets
- 8 canned pineapple rings
- 2/3 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 6 tsp mayo
- 4 Kaiser rolls
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together the pineapple juice, oil, soy sauce, salt, brown sugar, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breast cutlets in a large sealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on one side. After flipping, add the pineapple rings to the grill and cook them alongside the chicken for 1-2 minutes before flipping again.
- Step 5: Use a digital thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. About one minute before the chicken is done, place a slice of provolone cheese on each breast to melt.
- Step 6: Remove chicken and pineapple from the grill. Spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayo evenly on each half of the Kaiser rolls. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the chicken on the bun and topping with grilled pineapple slices.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical-inspired grilled chicken sandwiches.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a little smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Swap provolone for pepper jack if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Use fresh pineapple if available; soak it briefly in pineapple juice before grilling for added sweetness.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and pineapple separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving the sandwich assembled, as the bun may become soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This helps the flavors meld together and makes meal prep easier.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken and pineapple on a grill pan or in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook times remain similar, but watch closely to avoid burning.
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Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious combination of tender, marinated chicken breast cutlets grilled to perfection and topped with sweet grilled pineapple and melted provolone cheese. The tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy marinade infuses the chicken with tropical flavors, making these sandwiches a perfect choice for a quick summer meal or a flavorful backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Chicken
- 4 chicken breast cutlets
- 2/3 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 2 tsp hot sauce
Toppings and Assembly
- 8 canned pineapple rings
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 6 tsp mayonnaise
- 4 kaiser rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the pineapple juice, canola or vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce in a bowl until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breast cutlets into a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow the chicken to absorb the tropical flavors thoroughly.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken and Pineapple: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side. After flipping the chicken, add the pineapple rings to the grill. Grill pineapple for about 1 to 2 minutes before flipping them, and continue grilling the chicken until it reaches done.
- Check Temperature and Add Cheese: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. About one minute before done, place a slice of provolone cheese on each chicken breast to melt.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Remove the chicken and pineapple from the grill. Evenly spread mayonnaise (approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons per side) on both halves of the kaiser rolls. Place the grilled chicken topped with melted provolone on the bottom bun, then add the grilled pineapple rings on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Close the sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately to enjoy a perfectly balanced, sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken sandwich.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavor even more.
- If canned pineapple rings are not available, fresh pineapple can be used but may require slightly longer grilling time.
- Ensure to preheat the grill properly to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to toast the kaiser rolls on the grill for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keywords: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, pineapple chicken sandwich, grilled chicken recipe, summer sandwiches, tropical chicken sandwich

