The Teri Chicken Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features juicy grilled chicken glazed with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, layered with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato, all nestled between soft, fluffy King's Hawaiian rolls, offering a delightful blend of tender, zesty, and slightly sweet flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Plate or tray
- Spoon or spatula (for sauce)
- Bread knife
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 King’s Hawaiian sandwich rolls
- 4 leaves romaine lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures the Teri Chicken Sandwich stays juicy and tender after grilling, while the teriyaki glaze combines soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic for a balanced sweet and savory flavor. Cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce, giving it the perfect glaze consistency. Fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich teriyaki chicken. Soft, fluffy King's Hawaiian rolls are essential for sandwich authenticity and complement the sandwich's slightly sweet profile. You can recreate the popular Teri Chicken Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant with this copycat menu using these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
- Reserve 1/3 cup of marinade for later.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade and coat well; marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil grates with vegetable oil.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While chicken grills, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
- Bring reserved marinade to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir into simmering marinade.
- Cook until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Baste chicken with thickened teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
- Slice tomatoes and wash lettuce leaves; set aside.
- Cut King’s Hawaiian rolls in half with bread knife.
- Layer lettuce and tomato on bottom half of each roll.
- Place grilled chicken thigh on top of vegetables.
- Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce over chicken (optional).
- Cap with top roll.
- Arrange sandwiches on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Substitution
The Teri Chicken Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat recipe captures the sweetness and savoriness with a homemade teriyaki glaze, perfect for grilling tender chicken thighs. If you don't have mirin on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of dry sherry and a little sugar to maintain the flavor profile. Pineapple juice can be swapped with orange juice or apple juice for a slightly different but still fruity sweetness. You may want to use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust grilling time to avoid drying out the chicken. Ensure your King's Hawaiian rolls are toasted lightly to prevent sogginess and enhance the sandwich's soft, fluffy texture.
Tips
Ensure you marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors deeply infuse, which enhances tenderness and taste. When grilling, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking and baste the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes for a rich glaze. Use a sharp bread knife to slice King's Hawaiian rolls cleanly without squashing their soft texture. Finally, layering fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes adds a crisp balance to your sandwich's sweet and savory elements, improving the overall eating experience.
Nutritions
The Teri Chicken Sandwich provides a rich source of lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken thighs, essential for muscle repair and growth. The teriyaki glaze made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, and honey contributes antioxidants and natural sugars, enhancing energy levels without excess refined sugars. Fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, promoting immune health and digestion. Your choice of soft King's Hawaiian rolls gives a slightly sweet flavor and carbohydrates needed for sustained energy throughout the day.
Storage
To keep your Teri Chicken Sandwich fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the lettuce and tomato from the chicken prior to storing to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness. Reheat the grilled chicken gently in a microwave or oven before assembling your sandwich for the best flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option that grills quickly and stays tender when properly marinated. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce sodium content and add a subtle sweetness, enhancing the tropical flavor profile. To add crunch, incorporate sliced cucumbers or pickled red onions with the lettuce and tomato layers for extra texture and zing. Consider toasting the King's Hawaiian rolls lightly on the grill for added warmth and a slight crispness that complements the soft interior perfectly.
Allergies
Your Teri Chicken Sandwich contains soy sauce, which is a common allergen for those with soy sensitivities or allergies. The sandwich also includes wheat-based King's Hawaiian rolls, posing a risk for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Additionally, ingredients like pineapple juice and honey may trigger reactions in people with fruit or pollen-related allergies.
Why this recipe?
King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant's Teri Chicken Sandwich menu is loved for its uniquely sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, tender grilled chicken, and signature soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls that deliver a perfect flavor balance. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the distinct Hawaiian-inspired taste creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps customers coming back. Making the copycat recipe at home is worth it because it allows you to recreate this authentic, crave-worthy sandwich with customized flavors and fresh ingredients tailored to your preferences. Your homemade version captures the essence of the original while offering a satisfying and flavorful meal anytime.