Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

These Asian-inspired chicken burgers get a burst of umami flavor from a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce. Serve them on whole-wheat buns, or, for a lighter take, try lettuce leaves. In addition to the grilled pineapple, sliced avocado and grilled onions make tasty toppings.

Author:: Pamela Salzman
Publish date:: Jul 1, 2017
Updated on: Jul 26, 2017

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
Photo by Darren Kemper

65minDuration
25minCook Time
40minPrep Time
5Servings

Ingredients

Patties

1 1/2 lb ground chicken, preferably dark meat
6 tbsp minced yellow onion
1 1/2 tbsp ketchup (NOTE: Use a ketchup with a clean ingredient list such as Tessemae’s Organic Ketchup.)
1½ tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1/2 tbsp peeled and minced ginger

Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1/4 cup mirin
1 tsp peeled and minced ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tbsp arrowroot

Preparation

1. Heat a grill to medium and lightly grease grate (alternatively, set up an electric griddle to 400ºF).

2. In a medium bowl, combine all patty ingredients. (It’s very moist, don’t worry!) Form into 5 patties, about 5 inches in diameter. Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together all sauce ingredients except arrowroot. Place on high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cooking until mixture reduces by half, about 15 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together arrowroot and ¼ cup water; add to sauce. Whisk until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; set aside.

5. Carefully transfer patties to grill with a metal spatula and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and pour 1 tbsp sauce on each burger. Smear sauce on patty using a separate spoon (to avoid contamination). Cook for another 4 minutes, or until cooked through.

6. Meanwhile, brush pineapple on both sides with oil and grill until marks appear, about 3 minutes. Flip and repeat.

7. Place patties on buns, each with a slice of grilled pineapple, and toppings, including extra teriyaki sauce, if desired.