The Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken is a celebration of tropical flavors and summer grilling. Juicy chicken breasts are grilled to perfection, sliced and stuffed with deli ham, sweet pineapple, and gooey provolone cheese. This savory combo is finished with a luscious pineapple teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
This dish is perfect for a festive cookout, family dinner, or whenever you’re craving that sweet-savory balance. It’s easy to prepare yet feels gourmet, bringing a burst of island flavor to your backyard grill. Serve with a light salad or grilled veggies for a balanced meal that wows with every bite.
Full Recipe:
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⅓ cup Kikkoman® Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
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¼ cup pineapple juice
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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4 slices deli ham
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2 pineapple rings, halved
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4 slices provolone cheese, halved
Directions:
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine teriyaki marinade, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until syrupy. Set aside.
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Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill to medium-high. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 10–15 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
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Stuff the Chicken: Cut a horizontal slit in the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket. Stuff each with 1 slice of ham, half a pineapple ring, and 1 slice of provolone cheese (cut in half).
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Glaze and Finish Grilling: Return the stuffed chicken to the grill. Brush with glaze, grill for a couple minutes, flip, and brush again. Continue grilling until cheese is melted and pineapple edges are caramelized.
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Serve: Drizzle extra glaze over the chicken before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Summer Classic Reimagined: The Story Behind Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken is not your average barbecue dish. It’s an inspired take on the traditional Hawaiian chicken sandwich, minus the bun but loaded with all the tropical charm and savory satisfaction. This recipe pairs smoky grilled chicken with juicy pineapple, deli ham, and melty provolone cheese, all brought together by a glossy pineapple-teriyaki glaze. The result? A beautiful collision of sweet and savory that instantly transports you to an island vacation—without ever leaving your backyard grill.
This recipe was designed with simplicity in mind, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or celebratory meals like the Fourth of July. While its presentation is impressive, the method is surprisingly straightforward, requiring no complicated slicing or stuffing of raw chicken. It’s practical, flavorful, and ideal for anyone who wants a light yet satisfying grilled entrée.
The Flavor Profile: Why This Dish Works So Well
At the heart of this dish is the masterful blend of umami, sweetness, and slight tang that characterizes Hawaiian-inspired cooking. The pineapple offers a burst of natural sweetness and acidity that balances the smokiness of grilled chicken. Ham adds a mild saltiness and depth, while the provolone provides a creamy, melty texture that ties everything together.
Then comes the glaze—a homemade pineapple-teriyaki concoction that elevates the entire dish. Combining teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, the glaze is both sweet and savory with a hint of tanginess and caramel depth. As it thickens on the grill and coats the chicken, it forms a sticky, glossy exterior that enhances both flavor and texture.
This balance of elements is why the Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken stands out. It hits multiple taste notes—salty, sweet, tangy, smoky—and delivers an unforgettable sensory experience.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Grilling Season
Summertime is synonymous with grilling, and this dish makes the most of the season’s bounty and mood. It’s easy to throw together but looks and tastes like something you’d order from a specialty grill restaurant. It’s also a lighter option that doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or bread, making it ideal for hot weather when you want to enjoy flavorful food without feeling weighed down.
Grilling brings out the best in the ingredients, too. The chicken becomes perfectly charred on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. The pineapple caramelizes slightly, enhancing its natural sugars and deepening its flavor. The cheese melts into the ham and chicken, creating an indulgent but balanced bite.
Even better, the second round of grilling—after the chicken is stuffed—ensures everything melds together beautifully. It’s not just about heating; it’s about fusing flavors into one cohesive, mouthwatering package.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, preparing a special dinner for family, or just want to spice up your weekday meals, Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken fits the bill. It offers just the right amount of culinary flair to feel elevated without overwhelming home cooks or requiring advanced prep.
This dish is also easily scalable. Preparing it for a crowd is as simple as multiplying the portions, and it doesn’t require a long marinade time or complex sides. That makes it a fantastic choice for meal prepping ahead of time or assembling quickly for spontaneous get-togethers.
The presentation is another high point. When sliced, the stuffed chicken reveals a vibrant interior of golden pineapple and creamy white provolone, contrasted by the pinkish hue of ham and the browned, glazed chicken exterior. It’s visually appealing, making it a showstopper for both casual and formal gatherings.
Customizable to Fit Your Dietary Preferences
Another great aspect of this dish is its adaptability. While the original version uses provolone and ham, you can make substitutions to suit dietary needs:
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Low-carb or keto? Skip the brown sugar in the glaze or replace it with a sugar substitute like erythritol.
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Dairy-free? Use a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
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Gluten-free? Be sure to choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
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No pork? Replace the ham with turkey slices or even grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
You can even turn it into a skewer-style meal by cutting the ingredients into chunks and grilling them on skewers, brushing them with the same glaze.
Pairing Suggestions for the Ultimate Meal
Because Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken is both rich and bright, it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some pairing suggestions that complement the flavors while rounding out the meal:
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Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob with a touch of lime
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Coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up any extra glaze
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Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes or light slaws with pineapple chunks
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Tropical cocktails like piña coladas or mojitos to enhance the island vibes
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Simple baked sweet potatoes or roasted plantains for a sweet and hearty side
For dessert, a chilled fruit sorbet or a pineapple upside-down cake would echo the tropical notes without overpowering the palate.
A Nutrient-Rich, Balanced Meal
Beyond taste, this recipe provides a solid nutritional profile. Lean chicken breast is a high-quality protein source that’s low in fat. Pineapple adds Vitamin C and digestive enzymes, while ham contributes to your daily protein and iron intake. The cheese provides calcium, and if you opt for a low-sodium teriyaki sauce, you can keep your salt intake in check without sacrificing flavor.
Of course, moderation is key—this dish is indulgent thanks to the glaze and cheese, but still considerably lighter than deep-fried or cream-laden alternatives.
Tips for Success on the Grill
To ensure a flawless cooking experience, here are a few tips:
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Use thick, plump chicken breasts to create a generous pocket for stuffing and to avoid overcooking.
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Let the chicken rest after initial grilling to avoid losing juices when slicing.
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Don’t overstuff. While tempting, too much filling can fall out or make flipping tricky.
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Keep an eye on your glaze while brushing—watch for flare-ups, especially if it drips onto open flames.
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Use indirect heat during the second grilling to gently melt the cheese and caramelize the glaze without burning the outside.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Twist Worth Adding to Your Menu
Grilled Hawaiian Stuffed Chicken is more than just a summer recipe—it’s a fusion of global flavors that feels familiar yet exciting. From backyard cookouts to festive celebrations, it adds a touch of tropical joy to any table. The beauty lies in its simplicity: easy steps, common ingredients, and a big payoff in flavor and presentation.
Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned barbecue master, this recipe is guaranteed to earn rave reviews. It offers something for everyone, from sweet pineapple lovers to meat-and-cheese fans and health-conscious foodies. So fire up that grill, prep your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat.