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Maui Wowie Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

The Maui Wowie Chicken Sandwich is a tropical-inspired delight combining tender, marinated chicken thighs with a homemade teriyaki sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, and fresh coleslaw. Enhanced by grilled pineapple rings brushed with soy sauce, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an irresistible casual meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Sriracha Mayo

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2–3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

Coleslaw

  • Homemade coleslaw (cabbage, carrots, dressing as preferred)

Extras

  • Sliced pineapple rings, brushed with soy sauce
  • Sliced green onion
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the chicken.
  2. Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, onion powder, and fresh ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in unsalted butter until smooth and glossy.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook the thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Brush the chicken occasionally with prepared teriyaki sauce during cooking for enhanced flavor.
  4. Prepare Pineapple Rings: Brush pineapple rings with soy sauce. Grill them briefly for 1-2 minutes per side until caramelized and warmed through, adding a smoky sweetness to the sandwich.
  5. Make Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with 2 to 3 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, adjusting the spice level to your preference.
  6. Assemble the Sandwich: Toast your preferred sandwich buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of sriracha mayo on the buns, place a grilled chicken thigh topped with teriyaki sauce, a slice of grilled pineapple, a helping of homemade coleslaw, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
  7. Serve: Serve the Maui Wowie Chicken Sandwich immediately while warm, accompanied by your choice of side dishes.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the mayo to control spice level.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce in both marinade and sauce to reduce saltiness.
  • Grilling the pineapple adds caramelized sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
  • Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Homemade coleslaw can be substituted with store-bought for convenience but fresh is recommended for best texture and taste.