Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and hearty ingredients, making them perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. With juicy grilled pineapple and tender chicken glazed in sweet BBQ sauce, each bite is a taste of paradise. Enjoy these sandwiches at picnics, barbecues, or simply as an easy meal that the whole family will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sandwich Assembly
• For Garnish
• How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
• Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• For a Tropical Twist
• Pairing with Drinks
• Garnishing Ideas
• How to Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Reheating Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
• How do I customize my Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
• Can I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?
• How do I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches spicy?
• Are Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious sandwiches in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch or dinner, these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches can be served with various sides like coleslaw or potato salad.
• Grill-Friendly: Ideal for outdoor grilling, making them a hit at summer cookouts and gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: These sandwiches are loved by both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

Getting the right tools ready makes cooking simpler and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or skillet
• Basting brush
• Mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or skillet: Provides the ideal cooking method for achieving perfectly grilled chicken with those smoky flavors.
• Basting brush: Essential for applying the delicious BBQ sauce evenly on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Helps in combining ingredients easily, making your prep work efficient.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, filleted
• 1 packet KC Masterpiece Sweet Honey BBQ Sauce & Dry Rub
• 2/3 cup pineapple juice

For the Sandwich Assembly

• 4 slices pineapple, grilled
• 4 slices red onion
• 4 large pieces lettuce
• 4 burger buns

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Rub 2 tablespoons of the dry rub onto both sides of the filleted chicken breasts. This adds flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill or cook the chicken in a greased skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the remaining dry rub with the pineapple juice to create a thick sauce. This will add sweetness and depth to your chicken.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Brush the sauce generously over the cooked chicken while it’s still hot. This ensures maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches

To assemble, start with a piece of lettuce on the bottom bun. Add the glazed chicken, followed by a slice of grilled pineapple and red onion. Top it off with another piece of lettuce and cover with the top bun.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!

How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them to enhance your meal experience and impress your guests.

For a Tropical Twist

• Coconut Slaw: Add a refreshing coconut slaw on the side or inside the sandwich for a crunchy texture and tropical flavor.
• Mango Salsa: Top your sandwiches with mango salsa for a sweet and zesty kick that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.

Pairing with Drinks

• Pineapple Juice: Serve chilled pineapple juice to complement the flavors of the sandwich.
• Tropical Smoothie: A fruity smoothie made with banana, mango, and coconut milk will enhance the island vibe of your meal.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an added layer of freshness.
• Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for richness that balances the tangy BBQ sauce.

How to Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

To make sure your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Marinade: Marinate your chicken in the BBQ sauce overnight for deeper flavor.
• Grill Marks: Ensure you grill the chicken until it has nice grill marks for added flavor and presentation.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lettuce and ripe pineapple for optimal taste and texture.
• Toasted Buns: Lightly toast your burger buns for a crispy bite that holds up against the juicy fillings.

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Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory sandwich and are easy to bake or fry.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and is simple to prepare ahead of time.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Assorted grilled veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate while complementing the sandwich’s flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer side that’s easy and satisfying.
5. Chips & Guacamole: Serve tortilla chips with guacamole as a crunchy, creamy appetizer before digging into the sandwiches.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing finish after enjoying your hearty sandwiches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches experience. Here are key pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken with BBQ sauce and pineapple juice can lead to bland flavors. Always marinate for better taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken beyond 165°F makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Not grilling the pineapple: Skipping grilled pineapple means missing out on added sweetness and smokiness. Always grill the pineapple for optimal flavor.
• Using stale buns: Using old or stale burger buns can ruin the sandwich’s texture. Ensure you use fresh buns for the best experience.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Low-quality ingredients can impact flavor and texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken and produce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake wrapped sandwiches for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place one sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat; add the sandwich and cover until warmed, about 5 minutes per side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches feature grilled chicken glazed with BBQ sauce, topped with grilled pineapple, lettuce, and red onion, all served on a bun.

How do I customize my Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?

You can customize these sandwiches by adding cheese, jalapeños, or different sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an extra kick.

Can I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and grill the pineapple ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for freshness.

How do I make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches spicy?

To add spice, consider using spicy BBQ sauce or adding sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese when assembling your sandwich.

Are Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches healthy?

These sandwiches can be part of a balanced diet if made with lean chicken and fresh toppings. Adjust portion sizes as needed.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any meal occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or side dishes. Give this recipe a try and bring some tropical flavor into your kitchen!