Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Burger (Print View)

Tropical chicken burger featuring grilled chicken, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce for a burst of island flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz each)
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 2 tbsp pineapple juice
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

→ Teriyaki Sauce

07 - ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - ¼ cup pineapple juice
09 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp 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 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts, ensuring even coating. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
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 until sauce thickens noticeably. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F.
04 - Place marinated chicken on preheated grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add pineapple rings to 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 golden and crispy.
06 - Spread mayonnaise on bottom bun if desired. Layer lettuce leaf, grilled chicken breast, and drizzle generously with teriyaki sauce. Add grilled pineapple ring, tomato slice, and red onion. Cap with top bun and press gently.
07 - Transfer assembled burgers to plates and serve immediately while chicken is hot and pineapple is warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of sweet grilled pineapple and savory teriyaki glazed chicken is pure magic
  • Everything cooks on the grill so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • These burgers transport you straight to the islands in just 40 minutes
02 -
  • Pound the chicken to even thickness before marinating so all pieces finish cooking at the same time
  • Let the teriyaki sauce cool slightly before serving because it thickens more as it rests
  • The pineapple needs those grill marks for the full flavor effect so do not rush this step
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F rather than cutting into the chicken
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute the juices

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