Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - A Taste of Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and tropical twist on the classic chicken sandwich. With the addition of pineapple and pecans, these sandwiches are bursting with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich is a popular dish that originated in Hawaii, where the combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken is a common flavor profile. This recipe has been adapted and enjoyed all over the world, with each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

2 cups minced cooked chicken meat
0.33 cup minced celery
0.33 cup mayonnaise
0.5-1 tsp salt (or to taste)
0.25 tsp white pepper (or to taste)
0.25 cup finely chopped pecans
6 well-drained pineapple rings
6 large round crusty rolls
0.33 cup grated mild cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken meat, celery, mayonnaise, and pecans.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
Slice the tops off the rolls and remove the bread from the center (save it to make breadcrumbs for another recipe).
Fill the rolls with the chicken mixture.
Place a pineapple ring on top of each roll.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Broil the rolls 4 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes, or until hot and the cheese melts.

Variations

Use grilled chicken instead of minced cooked meat for a smokier flavor.
Add a slice of bacon to each sandwich for an extra savory kick.
Swap out the cheddar cheese for Swiss or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the pineapple rings well before placing them on top of the sandwiches to prevent them from making the bread soggy.

- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save time.

- Feel free to customize the sandwich by adding your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or avocado.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the sandwiches gives them a nice crispy texture and helps melt the cheese quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sandwiches on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches with a cold glass of pineapple juice or a tropical fruit smoothie for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (cheddar cheese).

Summary

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious and delicious choice for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With the sweet and savory flavors of pineapple, pecans, and cheddar cheese, these sandwiches are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Lulu, in Hawaii. She had invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. Lulu was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of chicken that was simmering in a delicious pineapple and teriyaki sauce.

I watched in awe as she carefully assembled the sandwiches, layering the tender chicken onto toasted buns and topping them with fresh lettuce and juicy pineapple slices. The combination of sweet and savory flavors was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to take a bite.

As we sat down to eat, Lulu told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations of their family. The secret, she explained, was in the marinade – a blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar that infused the chicken with a rich, tropical flavor.

I savored every bite of that sandwich, and when I returned home, I knew I had to recreate it for my own family. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I finally perfected the recipe.

Over the years, I have made these Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches countless times, for family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. Each time, they are met with rave reviews, and I always make sure to pass on the recipe to anyone who asks.

One day, while shopping at the local farmer's market, I ran into an elderly Hawaiian woman who was selling fresh pineapples. We struck up a conversation, and I mentioned my love for Hawaiian cuisine. Her eyes lit up, and she told me about her own family recipes, passed down from her ancestors who had settled on the islands generations ago.

Intrigued, I asked if she had a recipe for Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches. To my delight, she did, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. We spent the afternoon chatting and exchanging stories, and by the end of our conversation, I felt as though I had made a new friend.

I rushed home to try out the new recipe, eager to see how it compared to the one I had learned from Lulu. As I prepared the marinade and cooked the chicken, I could almost hear the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and feel the warm Hawaiian sun on my skin.

When the sandwiches were finally ready, I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the familiar flavors of pineapple and teriyaki. It was different from Lulu's recipe, but equally delicious in its own way.

Since then, I have continued to experiment with different versions of Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches, incorporating new ingredients and techniques to create my own unique twist on the classic dish. But no matter how many variations I try, I always come back to the original recipe that started it all – the one that brings me back to that sunny day in Hawaii, surrounded by friends and laughter.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the memories and stories that come with it. And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches with my family, I am grateful for the connections I have made and the rich culinary heritage that continues to inspire me.