Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe

These Teriyaki Chicken Burgers with grilled pineapple are a game changer. It's a fusion of Japanese teriyaki sauce with an all-time American favorite - the burger. The tangy, sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken and the grilled pineapple gives a tropical spin to this classic dish.

Photos of Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe

The main ingredients for this recipe are chicken, teriyaki sauce, and Dole® pineapple slices. Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese marinade that can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Dole® pineapple slices are either fresh or canned slices of pineapple that are also readily available in supermarkets.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Dole® pineapple slices: A sweet and tangy fruit that adds a fresh and tropical flavor to the burger.

Teriyaki sauce: A Japanese sauce that gives the chicken a savory, sweet and tangy flavor.

Hamburger buns: The vessel for your burger. Choose your favorite kind - whole wheat, brioche, etc.

Chicken: The main protein of this dish. You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs based on your preference.

Tomatoes: Adds a fresh and juicy element to the burger.

Lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the other elements of the burger.

Swiss cheese: A mild and nutty cheese that complements the flavors of the chicken and teriyaki sauce.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps to bind all the flavors together.

One reader, Dorolisa Bechtel says:

This teriyaki chicken burger recipe is a game-changer! The marinade gives the chicken an amazing flavor, and grilling the pineapple adds a sweet and tangy twist. The combination of the juicy chicken, melted cheese, and fresh veggies on a bun is pure perfection. It's a must-try for any burger lover!

Dorolisa Bechtel

Key Techniques for Making Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

How to marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour the teriyaki sauce over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

How to grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

How to grill the pineapple slices: Place the pineapple slices directly on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks form and the pineapple caramelizes slightly.

How to assemble the burger: Place a grilled chicken breast on the bottom half of a hamburger bun. Top with a grilled pineapple slice, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Add the top half of the bun and serve.

How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Sliced pineapples with sweet & salty teriyaki sauce add texture & a medley of flavors to these chicken burgers. A great recipe for an Asian-flavored snack.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Marinate Time: 1 day

Total: 1 day 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

20ozDOLE® Pineapple Slices
1cupteriyaki sauce or marinade
hamburger buns
chicken
tomatoes
lettuce
swiss cheese
mayonnaise

Instructions

Begin by marinading your chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 24 hours.
Grill chicken until cooked through. Add cheese on top at the end if to get melted cheese.
Grill pineapple slices as well.
Put burger together with condiments and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 89.97kcal
Fat: 0.12g
Saturated Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g
Carbohydrates: 19.87g
Fiber: 1.37g
Sugar: 16.08g
Protein: 3.36g
Sodium: 1840.79mg
Calcium: 24.28mg
Potassium: 211.00mg
Iron: 1.09mg
Vitamin A: 2.83µg
Vitamin C: 45.17mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

To ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful, make sure to marinate it in the teriyaki sauce for the full 24 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. Additionally, when grilling the pineapple slices, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn due to their high sugar content. Turn them frequently for an even caramelization.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Prep the toppings: Wash and prepare the lettuce, tomatoes, and any other toppings in advance to streamline the burger assembly process.

Use pre-sliced cheese: Opt for pre-sliced cheese to save time on slicing and ensure even distribution on the burgers.

Grill in batches: If cooking for a large group, grill the chicken and pineapple in batches to expedite the process.

Organize the workspace: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner to minimize the time spent searching for items during cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe

teriyaki sauce or marinade - Substitute with homemade teriyaki sauce: You can make your own teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a little bit of cornstarch to thicken. This allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your preference.
hamburger buns - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns have a slightly sweet and rich flavor, which pairs well with the savory teriyaki chicken. They also have a soft texture that holds up well to juicy burgers.
chicken - Substitute with tofu or tempeh: For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the teriyaki sauce to infuse it with flavor before grilling or pan-searing.
tomatoes - Substitute with sliced bell peppers: Sliced bell peppers can add a sweet and crunchy element to the burger, similar to tomatoes. They also hold up well to grilling or sautéing.
lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach adds a fresh and vibrant element to the burger, and its tender leaves provide a nice contrast to the other ingredients.
Swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and slightly tangy flavor, similar to Swiss cheese, and melts beautifully over the teriyaki chicken burger.
mayonnaise - Substitute with garlic aioli: Garlic aioli adds a flavorful and creamy element to the burger, and the hint of garlic complements the teriyaki marinade well.

How to Plate and Present Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Elevate the burger bun: Choose a high-quality, artisanal bun and lightly toast it to add a subtle crunch and enhance the overall texture of the burger.
Artfully arrange the grilled pineapple: Place the grilled pineapple slices on the burger in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Garnish with vibrant lettuce and tomatoes: Use fresh, vibrant lettuce and ripe, juicy tomatoes to add color and freshness to the presentation, creating an inviting visual appeal.
Melt the Swiss cheese to perfection: Ensure the Swiss cheese is perfectly melted over the grilled chicken, creating a luscious and indulgent layer that adds richness to the burger.
Drizzle with teriyaki glaze: Use a delicate hand to drizzle a touch of teriyaki glaze over the assembled burger, adding a glossy finish and a burst of umami flavor.
Serve with finesse: Present the teriyaki chicken burger on a clean, white plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to pop and the flavors to take center stage.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Grill: A grill is used for cooking the marinated chicken and pineapple slices, giving them a delicious smoky flavor.
Tongs: Tongs are essential for flipping the chicken and pineapple slices on the grill without piercing them, ensuring they cook evenly.
Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for slicing the tomatoes and lettuce for the burgers.
Knife: A sharp knife is needed for slicing the tomatoes and lettuce, as well as for cutting the burger buns.
Grill pan: A grill pan can be used as an alternative to an outdoor grill for cooking the chicken and pineapple slices indoors.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for flipping the chicken and pineapple slices on the grill or grill pan.
Marinade brush: A marinade brush is handy for basting the chicken with teriyaki sauce while grilling, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Cheese grater: If using fresh cheese, a cheese grater is needed to grate the Swiss cheese for topping the chicken burgers.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is essential for accurately portioning the teriyaki sauce for marinating the chicken.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is needed for marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Plates: Plates are necessary for serving the prepared teriyaki chicken burgers.

Storing and Freezing Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Allow the cooked chicken patties to cool completely before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can lead to soggy buns and toppings.
To store leftover teriyaki chicken burgers in the refrigerator, wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped burgers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Properly stored, they will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze the burgers for later consumption, wrap each burger (without toppings) tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped burgers in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference. Frozen teriyaki chicken burgers can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen burgers, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the burgers in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the burgers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For best results, store the toppings (such as lettuce, tomatoes, and pineapple slices) separately from the burgers. This helps maintain their freshness and texture. When ready to serve, assemble the burgers with the toppings and condiments of your choice.

How To Reheat Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover teriyaki chicken burger on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the burger loosely with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your teriyaki chicken burger in just a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the burger in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the bun is crispy.
For a quick and easy reheat, microwave your leftover teriyaki chicken burger on a microwave-safe plate. Place a damp paper towel over the burger to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the bun to become soggy.
If you want to reheat your teriyaki chicken burger on the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the burger in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the bun is crispy.
For a tasty twist, try slicing your leftover teriyaki chicken burger and adding it to a fresh salad or wrap. The cold chicken and pineapple pair perfectly with crisp lettuce and a tangy dressing.

Interesting Trivia About Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Teriyaki chicken burgers are a popular dish in Hawaii, where they are often served with a side of rice and macaroni salad. The teriyaki sauce used in the recipe is a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, a type of rice wine. This sauce gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the grilled pineapple and other burger toppings.

Is Making Teriyaki Chicken Burgers at Home Cost-Effective?

This teriyaki chicken burger recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to please, earning it a solid 8 out of 10 rating for its affordability and taste.

Are Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Healthy or Unhealthy?

The teriyaki chicken burger recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:

High sodium content: Teriyaki sauce is known for its high sodium content, which can lead to increased blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Processed ingredients: Depending on the brand, store-bought teriyaki sauce may contain added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that are not ideal for a healthy diet.
Saturated fat: Swiss cheese and mayonnaise are high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health problems when consumed in large amounts.
Simple carbohydrates: Regular hamburger buns are made from refined flour, which is a simple carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for a low-sodium teriyaki sauce or make your own using natural ingredients like soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Replace the Swiss cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as reduced-fat mozzarella or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Swap the regular mayonnaise for a healthier spread, such as mashed avocado, hummus, or Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and spices.
Choose whole-grain or lettuce wraps instead of regular hamburger buns to increase fiber intake and reduce simple carbohydrates.
Add more vegetables to the burger, such as grilled onions, bell peppers, or pickled carrots and radishes, to boost the nutrient content and add more flavor and texture to the dish.

Editor's Opinion on Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

This teriyaki chicken burger recipe offers a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The 24-hour marinade infuses the chicken with rich teriyaki essence, while grilling the pineapple slices adds a caramelized sweetness. The combination of tender chicken, melted Swiss cheese, and the refreshing crunch of lettuce and tomatoes creates a harmonious blend of textures. The use of teriyaki sauce as a marinade and grilling the pineapple slices adds depth and complexity to the dish. Overall, this recipe promises a tantalizing culinary experience that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Enhance Your Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the teriyaki chicken burgers.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful and flavorful skewers of assorted vegetables, grilled to perfection and served alongside the teriyaki chicken burgers.

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: A refreshing and tangy fruit salad tossed in a sweet honey-lime dressing, a delightful accompaniment to the teriyaki chicken burgers.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette before skewering and grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Mango Chicken Salad: Combine grilled chicken, fresh mango, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil with cream for a comforting and creamy soup that's perfect for any time of year.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Create a decadent and rich chocolate mousse by using high-quality dark chocolate and whipping it into a light and airy texture. Serve it in elegant glassware and garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness.

Apple Crisp: For a comforting and warm dessert, whip up a delicious apple crisp by layering thinly sliced apples with a buttery and spiced crumble topping. Bake until golden and crispy, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why trust this Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe:

This recipe uses high-quality ingredients, such as teriyaki sauce and fresh pineapple slices, to ensure a delicious and authentic flavor. The marination process allows the chicken to absorb the rich teriyaki flavors, resulting in a juicy and flavorful patty. The grilling method enhances the natural smokiness of the grilled pineapple, adding a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Additionally, the inclusion of Swiss cheese and mayonnaise provides a creamy and indulgent element, elevating the overall burger experience. Trust in the combination of these premium ingredients to create a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken burger that will surely impress your taste buds.

Want to share your own twist on this Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe or discuss tips and techniques with fellow cooking enthusiasts? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

I recommend marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate it for 24 hours.

Can I use canned pineapple slices instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple slices if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain them well before grilling.

What is the best way to grill the chicken and pineapple slices?

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it's cooked through, and grill the pineapple slices for a few minutes on each side until they have nice grill marks.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the burgers?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese complements the teriyaki flavor well, you can use any cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or pepper jack.

What are some good side dishes to serve with these teriyaki chicken burgers?

Some great side dish options include sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.