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Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken burgers - featured image

Juicy grilled chicken burgers glazed with homemade teriyaki sauce and topped with caramelized pineapple rings, perfect for quick and delicious summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean but with some fat for juiciness)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (can swap with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (for teriyaki glaze)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (dark preferred)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan twist)
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening glaze)
  • 4 pineapple rings, fresh
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for pineapple caramelization)
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted
  • Leafy lettuce or baby spinach
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Mayonnaise or favorite burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Make the Teriyaki Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers (about 5 minutes). Whisk in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper gently. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than buns.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (375–400°F). Clean and oil grates lightly.
  4. Grill Pineapple Rings: Place pineapple rings on grill and cook 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and sugars caramelize. Optionally sprinkle brown sugar before grilling.
  5. Grill Chicken Patties: Place patties on grill and cook 5–6 minutes per side. After flipping, brush generously with teriyaki glaze. Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing patties.
  6. Toast Buns: During last minute of cooking, place buns cut-side down on grill until lightly toasted and golden.
  7. Assemble Burgers: Spread mayonnaise or sauce on buns, layer lettuce, grilled chicken patty, pineapple ring, and sliced red onion. Top with bun crown and serve immediately.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Let chicken rest before assembling to keep juices locked in. Grill pineapple carefully to avoid burning. Brush glaze on patties near end of cooking to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken burgers, pineapple burgers, teriyaki chicken, summer recipes, easy burgers, grilled pineapple, backyard barbecue