
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches with Pineapple and Ham
10 sandwiches
Ingredients
Sandwich:
- 5 Chicken breasts (approx. 1- 1.3 kg / 2 – 2.5 lb), sliced in half (by weight)
- 10 slices ham, sliced ¼ inch (6 mm) thick
- 10 slices pineapple, sliced ¼ inch (6 mm) thick
- 20 slices Cracker Barrel Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapeño Peppers
- 10 large hamburger buns
Teriyaki Sauce & Marinade:
- 1 cup (250 mL) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup (250 mL) water
- ½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) maple syrup
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) mirin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp (5 g) fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) cold water
- 1 tsp (2 g) chili flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Boston bibb lettuce, as needed
- 10 slices red onion
- 20 slices tomato
Directions
- Wash hands thoroughly and sanitize all work surfaces and equipment. Use designated cutting boards for products being used.
- Prepare the chicken by pounding or pressing each breast to approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Place parchment paper between each breast, transfer to a covered insert, and refrigerate.
- Prepare the ham, pineapple, and cheese, placing parchment paper between layers as needed. Transfer to covered containers and refrigerate until service.
- Slice the red onion and tomatoes. Transfer to labeled inserts, cover, and refrigerate until service.
- To prepare the teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, maple syrup, mirin, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Divide the sauce evenly between two containers.
- Pour one portion of the cooled sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before service.
- Reserve the remaining sauce in a squeeze bottle for basting and sandwich assembly.
For Service:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken for approximately 4 minutes per side, brushing with reserved teriyaki sauce during cooking.
- When flipping the chicken, place one slice of ham and one slice of pineapple on the grill. Cook for approximately 1½ minutes per side. (optional: baste pineapple with teriyaki sauce as well)
- If desired, lightly toast hamburger buns on the grill.
- During the final minute of cooking, top each chicken breast with 2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese and allow to melt.
Assembly:
- Place Boston bibb lettuce on the bottom bun.
- Top with the grilled chicken and melted cheese.
- Add the grilled ham and pineapple.
- Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce.
- Finish with red onion and tomato slices.
- Place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Service Suggestion
Serve with:
- Hawaiian macaroni salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Sticky rice
Notes:
- Reserve a portion of the sauce before marinating the chicken. Do not use marinade that has come into contact with raw poultry for basting or serving.
- For consistent cooking, chicken breasts should be flattened to an even thickness before marinating.
- Hold prepared garnishes refrigerated until required for service.
All images are service suggestions
