Chicken Teriyaki Burgers With Grilled Pineapple and Red Onions

The scent of teriyaki always takes me back to summer evenings grilling with my family. I remember my dad carefully brushing the sweet, savory sauce onto chicken skewers as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on our backyard. It wasn’t just the taste of the teriyaki itself, but the shared experience of preparing and enjoying food together that made those moments so special. This burger recipe captures that nostalgic essence, elevating a simple weeknight meal into a celebration of flavor and good company.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes refrigeration)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Variable (can be gluten-free with appropriate bun and teriyaki sauce)

Ingredients

For the Grilled Onions:

• 1 red onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 teaspoon crushed coriander seed
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Burgers:

• 4 slices white bread, cubed with crusts removed
• 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 3 tablespoons finely diced onions
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 drops hot sauce (3 to 4)

For the Grilled Pineapple:

• 4 slices pineapple rings
• 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns, freshly crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Olive oil flavored cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Shallow baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Large bowl
• Small pan
• Grill or grill pan

Instructions

1. Prepare the onions: Place the red onion slices in a shallow baking dish.
2. Make the onion marinade: In a small saucepan, combine the crushed coriander seeds, fresh thyme, white wine, olive oil, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Marinate the onions: Let the marinade cool slightly, then pour it over the onion slices in the baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 hours. This allows the onions to absorb the flavors and become tender.
4. Prepare the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cubed white bread with the teriyaki sauce. Let this mixture rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the bread absorb the sauce, adding moisture and flavor to the burgers.
5. Incorporate the chicken: Gently fold the ground chicken into the bread and teriyaki mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the burgers tough.
6. Sauté aromatics: In a small pan, sauté the finely diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in sesame oil for about 1 minute, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
7. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the sautéed aromatics to the ground chicken mixture and combine thoroughly.
8. Add seasonings: Add the prepared mustard, slightly beaten egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and hot sauce to the mixture. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
9. Form the patties: Mold the mixture into 4 equally sized patties.
10. Refrigerate the patties: Cover the patties and refrigerate them for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the patties hold their shape during grilling.
11. Prepare the pineapple: Place the pineapple slices on paper towels to drain excess juice.
12. Season the pineapple: Remove the pineapple slices from the paper towels and sprinkle them with freshly crushed pink peppercorns and salt.
13. Lightly oil the pineapple: Lightly spray the pineapple slices with olive oil flavored cooking spray. Set aside.
14. Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
15. Grill the burgers: Lightly spray the chicken burgers with olive oil flavored cooking spray and place them on the center of the preheated grill.
16. Cook the burgers: Grill the burgers for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until they are well done and the internal temperature registers 180ºF/82ºC. Turn the burgers once halfway through the grilling time to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
17. Grill the onions: Place the marinated onion slices on the grill for 4 to 6 minutes, turning once halfway through the grilling time, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
18. Grill the pineapple: Grill the pineapple slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning once halfway through the grilling time, until they have grill marks and are slightly softened.
19. Assemble the burgers: Place the cooked chicken burgers on grilled buns. Top with the grilled pineapple slices and grilled onions.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Breadcrumb Substitute: If you don’t have white bread, panko breadcrumbs work great. Just reduce the amount to about 1/2 cup, as they absorb liquid more readily.
• Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the burger mixture for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Teriyaki Glaze: For an extra glossy finish, brush the burgers with additional teriyaki sauce during the last minute of grilling.
• Prevent Sticking: To prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill, make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled. You can also use a grill mat.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the burger mixture can result in tough burgers. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers immediately while the burgers are hot and juicy, and the pineapple and onions are warm and flavorful. A side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries complements the burgers perfectly. Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Grilled pineapple and onions can be stored separately and reheated as well. For longer storage, cooked burger patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	386.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	124 g	32%
Total Fat	13.8 g	21%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
Cholesterol	132.3 mg	44%
Sodium	1268.5 mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate	30.9 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	12.7 g	50%
Protein	29.6 g	59%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the burger mixture for a spicier flavor.
• Different Protein: Substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground chicken. Cooking times may vary slightly.
• Hawaiian Style: Add a slice of ham or bacon to the burger for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Use portobello mushrooms marinated in teriyaki sauce in place of the chicken patty.
• Different Bun: Try using brioche buns or pretzel rolls for a different texture and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the burger patties ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Q: What is the best way to tell if the chicken burgers are cooked through?
A: The internal temperature should reach 180°F (82°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: While fresh pineapple is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use canned pineapple rings in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well before grilling.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can cook the burgers, onions, and pineapple in a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the burgers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Q: How can I prevent the burgers from drying out?
A: Avoid overcooking the burgers. Make sure the grill isn’t too hot and that you don’t press down on the patties while grilling. The bread in the mixture helps retain moisture as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers! The sweet and savory combination of flavors, along with the juicy chicken and grilled toppings, makes for a truly unforgettable burger experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Feel free to share your feedback and any modifications you make – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Perhaps pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or an ice-cold glass of lemonade for the ultimate summer meal!