Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Burger

The first time I made these Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Burgers, it was a Tuesday night and I was craving something that tasted like vacation. My kitchen ended up smelling like a tropical barbecue, and honestly, that sweet teriyaki sauce has been a weekly staple ever since.

I served these at a summer cookout last year, and my friend who claims to hate fruit in savory food went back for seconds. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, caramelized pineapple, and that tangy teriyaki glaze just works somehow.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless absorbs the marinade best, and pounding them to even thickness ensures they cook evenly on the grill
• Soy sauce: The base of both the marinade and teriyaki sauce, providing that essential salty umami flavor
• Pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken while it marinated
• Brown sugar: Creates that beautiful glossy finish on the teriyaki sauce and helps with caramelization
• Pineapple rings: Fresh pineapple grills beautifully and develops those gorgeous char marks, but canned works in a pinch
• Burger buns: Brioche or sesame buns hold up well to the juicy chicken and toppings

Instructions

Marinate the chicken:

Whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat, letting them sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else.

Make the teriyaki sauce:

Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it bubble for a minute, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until it thickens into a glossy coating consistency.

Fire up the grill:

Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get good sear marks but not so aggressive that the chicken burns before cooking through.

Grill everything:

Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it reaches 75°C internally. Toss the pineapple rings on during the last couple of minutes—they just need a quick char to get sweet and caramelized.

Toast and assemble:

Give your burger buns a quick toast on the grill, then build with lettuce, chicken, a generous drizzle of that teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple, tomato, and red onion. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

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These burgers have become my go-to when I want to feed a crowd without spending all day at the stove. Something about that pineapple teriyaki combo just makes people happy.

Making It Your Own

Ive learned that a little sriracha mixed into the mayonnaise adds just the right amount of heat for people who like things spicy. You can also swap in turkey patties or even a thick portobello mushroom for a vegetarian version.

Side Dish Pairings

Sweet potato fries are practically mandatory here—their natural sweetness plays off the teriyaki perfectly. A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing also helps cut through the richness.

Make Ahead Strategy

The teriyaki sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, so I always double the recipe. You can marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor penetration.

• Pat the pineapple rings dry before grilling to get better char marks
• Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute
• Warm the teriyaki sauce slightly if it has been refrigerated

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Theres something deeply satisfying about biting into a burger that tastes like a tropical vacation. Hope these bring a little sunshine to your table too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly. Use well-drained rings and you may want to pat them dry before grilling to help with caramelization. Fresh pineapple will give a slightly brighter flavor, but canned is convenient and equally delicious.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and select gluten-free burger buns. The cornstarch in the teriyaki sauce is naturally gluten-free, making the sauce safe for celiacs when using the right soy sauce.

→ Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It may thicken when chilled, so you may need to reheat it gently or add a touch of water to achieve the right consistency before serving.

→ What's the best way to grill the chicken?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Let it rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers to retain juices.

→ How can I add more spice to this burger?

For extra heat, mix sriracha or hot sauce into the mayonnaise, or add sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.