Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Burger (Printable)
Tropical chicken burgers with grilled pineapple and teriyaki glaze, delivering sweet and savory island-inspired flavors in under an hour.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces 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 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
13 - 4 burger buns
14 - 4 lettuce leaves
15 - 4 slices red onion
16 - 4 slices tomato
17 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts, turning to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
02 - Combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (about 375°F to 400°F).
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 of cooking, place pineapple rings on the grill and cook until lightly caramelized with grill marks.
05 - Place burger buns cut-side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted and golden brown.
06 - Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun if desired. Layer lettuce, grilled chicken breast, teriyaki sauce, grilled pineapple ring, tomato slice, and red onion. Top with upper bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade teriyaki sauce puts bottled versions to absolute shame
- That juicy pineapple and chicken combo transports you straight to island vibes
02 -
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling keeps it incredibly juicy
- Don't skip toasting your buns or they will absolutely fall apart
03 -
- Pound your chicken to even thickness before marinating for consistent cooking
- Brush a little extra teriyaki on the chicken during the last minute of grilling for that sticky glaze