Tailgate with Pineapple Chicken Mini Subs
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Football season is one of my favorite aspects of fall. Not only is it a chance to cheer for our favorite team, but it’s also a chance to gather, cook and chow-down. But once the kids came along, it became much less desirable to attempt to relax in a massive parking lot outside a crowded stadium. We didn’t let that put a damper on our fun, though– we just brought the tailgating home by tweaking a favorite sandwich recipe.
Chicken cheese steaks are a healthier take on Philly’s hometown sub. But after tasting King’s Hawaiian Bread, I knew we could kick my usual chicken sandwich recipe up a notch by adding a taste of the islands; those same islands we loved so much on our honeymoon 8 years ago. Juicy pineapple and sweet onions turned out to be the perfect compliment to the famous bread.
Like Hawaii itself, the recipe is beautifully simple. You’ll spend more time watching the game than prepping this dish, that’s for sure. Since it rained on our parade tailgate party, I made the chicken inside in a skillet. But if you’re firing up the grill simply place the chicken, pineapple slices, and onions on kabobs, grill, and you’ll get a delicious and tailgate-worthy meal.
1 c. pineapple juice
1/2 c. dark brown sugar, packed
1/3 c. soy sauce
2 pounds of chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 sweet onion, roughly chopped
4 pineapple slices, chopped (or used precut or crushed pineapple)
1 package Kings Hawaiian Mini Sub Rolls (find them in the deli section)
Step 1: Make marinade by combining pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, just before it boils.
Step 2: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch in size). Pour marinade in a bowl, and place chicken in marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Step 3: Roughly chop onion and pineapple while the chicken marinates.
Step 4: If cooking on the stovetop, sauteé chicken in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Once cooked thoroughly, place on bottom portion of mini roll. Add onions to pan and sauteé for a few minutes, and then add pineapple. Sauteé for another minute until warm. Top chicken with onions and pineapple, and then the top bun. Dig in and enjoy!
This simple recipe certainly added the aloha spirit to our tailgating party. Now, if only we were able to enjoy them oceanside in Maui, I’d be a *happy*happy* girl!
Whether you are at your kid’s game or the stadium, KING’S HAWAIIAN is a great choice for a family tailgate.
