Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Burger (Printable Version)
Tropical chicken burger featuring grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and teriyaki sauce for a burst of island flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5-6 oz each)
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Teriyaki Sauce
07 - ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - ¼ cup pineapple juice
09 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
→ Burger Assembly
12 - 4 fresh pineapple rings (½ inch thick)
13 - 4 hamburger buns
14 - 4 large lettuce leaves
15 - 4 red onion slices
16 - 4 tomato slices
17 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
02 - Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (375-400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the final 2 minutes, place pineapple rings on the grill and cook until lightly charred with caramelized grill marks.
05 - Place hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted and golden brown.
06 - Spread mayonnaise on toasted bottom buns. Layer lettuce leaves, grilled chicken breasts, and drizzle generously with teriyaki sauce. Add grilled pineapple rings, tomato slices, and red onion. Top with remaining bun halves and serve immediately.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The homemade teriyaki sauce comes together in minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything from a bottle
- Grilled pineapple adds natural sweetness that balances perfectly with savory chicken
02 -
- Dont skip marinating the chicken—even 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference in flavor and moisture
- The teriyaki sauce thickens quickly once you add the cornstarch, so have your whisk ready and watch closely
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating so they cook at the same rate
- Brush a little extra teriyaki sauce on the chicken during the last minute of grilling for a sticky glazed finish