Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re craving a sandwich that’s packed with bold, tropical flavors, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches are just what you need.

Imagine juicy, marinated chicken smothered in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, topped with fresh pineapple slices and crisp veggies, all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls or your favorite toasted bread. This recipe brings the island vibe straight to your kitchen.

What Makes Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches Special?

The secret behind the magic of Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches is the balance between sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The teriyaki sauce delivers a robust umami punch, while the pineapple and other toppings provide a refreshing sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly. The fusion of Japanese teriyaki and tropical Hawaiian ingredients creates a unique sandwich that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch adds a personal touch and guarantees freshness. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious homemade sauce:

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry and add it to the sauce.
4. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Set aside to cool.

Choosing the Right Chicken

For this recipe, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner. Whichever you choose, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) in teriyaki sauce is key for locking in flavor.

Grilling or Pan-Seared: How to Cook the Chicken

Grilling: If you have a grill, use it! The grill adds a smoky flavor and char marks that elevate the sandwich. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Pan-Seared: If grilling isn’t an option, pan-searing is another great method. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side.

Assembling the Sandwich

1. Toast the Bread: Lightly toast your Hawaiian rolls or ciabatta bread to add texture.
2. Layer the Toppings: Start with a leaf of lettuce, followed by the grilled or seared chicken. Add pineapple slices, red onions, and tomatoes for a burst of flavor and freshness. Spread some mayo or spicy mayo on the top bun if you like.
3. Finish with the Bread: Place the top bun on the sandwich and give it a gentle press to hold everything together.

Best Breads for Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches

While Hawaiian rolls add sweetness, ciabatta bread provides a heartier, more rustic option. If you prefer something with a bit more structure, ciabatta is ideal, but if you love soft, sweet bread, Hawaiian rolls are the way to go.

Toppings That Elevate the Sandwich

• Pineapple Slices: The tropical sweetness of pineapple enhances the teriyaki flavor.
• Lettuce and Red Onion: These veggies add crunch and balance the richness of the chicken.
• Tomato: A juicy addition that adds freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve them with crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh coleslaw, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Meal Prep

Make the teriyaki chicken ahead of time for easy sandwich assembly during the week. You can store the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage. Simply reheat the chicken before assembling the sandwiches.

Variations of Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.

Healthier Modifications

• Low-Carb Version: Swap out the bread for lettuce wraps to make a keto-friendly sandwich.
• Leaner Meat: Use chicken breasts for a lower-fat option.

Pairing Drinks with Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches

Pair your sandwiches with tropical drinks like a pineapple smoothie or a cold glass of lemonade. For an adult version, try a light beer or a pineapple-infused cocktail.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, bringing a little taste of the islands to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, these sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you grill the chicken or pan-sear it, the flavors will transport you straight to a tropical paradise.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
   Yes, you can. Store-bought sauce works well in a pinch, but homemade offers a fresher taste.
2. What other toppings go well with teriyaki chicken?
   Sliced avocado, pickles, or even a fried egg can be delicious additions.
3. Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and soy sauce to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
4. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
   Marinating the chicken and cooking it at the right temperature will keep it juicy.

Yield: 4

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Print

If you’re craving a sandwich that’s packed with bold, tropical flavors, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches are just what you need. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken smothered in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, topped with fresh pineapple slices and crisp veggies, all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls or your favorite toasted bread. This recipe brings the island vibe straight to your kitchen.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Teriyaki Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• For the Sandwich Assembly:
• 4 sandwich buns (Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns work great)
• 4 pineapple rings, grilled
• 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 slices of provolone or Swiss cheese
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
   Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
   
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
   After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and set aside. Transfer the marinade to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
   Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
   Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized.
   
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Toast the sandwich buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly crispy.
   Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun (optional).
   Place a piece of lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of cheese, a grilled chicken thigh, a grilled pineapple ring, some red onion slices, and jalapeños (if using).
   Drizzle a little more teriyaki sauce on top of the chicken and close the sandwich with the top bun.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a leaner cut of meat, but thighs will give a juicier sandwich.

For extra flavor, add a slice of ham or bacon to the sandwich.

You can serve the sandwiches with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a side of macaroni salad to complete the Hawaiian theme.

If you like more heat, use spicy mayo instead of regular mayonnaise.