Teriyaki Chicken Burger Recipe

The Juiciest Teriyaki Chicken Burger Recipe for Burger Lovers

Crafting a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken burger demands creativity and bold flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your palate with each perfectly grilled bite.

Succulent chicken marinated in rich Japanese-inspired sauce creates an irresistible centerpiece for your meal.

Crisp vegetables and a pillowy soft bun complement the juicy protein, adding textural intrigue to every layer.

Homemade teriyaki glaze brings restaurant-quality sophistication right into your kitchen.

Simple ingredients merge into an extraordinary sandwich that transcends ordinary weeknight cooking.

Venture into this culinary adventure and watch how a few smart techniques can revolutionize your dinner routine.

Teriyaki Chicken Burgers That Bring Bold Flavor Home

  • Boost Flavor Explosion: Teriyaki sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering burger with rich, sweet-savory notes that dance on your taste buds.
  • Master Grilling Technique: Perfect for backyard cookouts or weekend gatherings, this recipe teaches simple grilling skills that elevate your outdoor cooking game.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this burger a go-to option for busy families or spontaneous get-togethers with friends.
  • Customize Your Creation: Flexible toppings and easy assembly allow everyone to personalize their burger, making it a fun and interactive meal for all ages.

Ingredients for Juicy and Savory Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and juicy protein that absorbs the rich teriyaki flavor perfectly.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory Japanese-style sauce that adds depth and moisture to the chicken.
Bread Component:
  • Burger Buns: A soft and sturdy base that provides the perfect vessel for the grilled chicken.
Grilling Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray, Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light flavor to the grilled chicken.
Optional Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pineapple Slice: Fresh ingredients that add crunch, sweetness, and additional flavor to the burger.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Marinade

Mix teriyaki sauce with the chicken in a bowl, ensuring every piece gets coated. Let the chicken soak up the delicious flavors for at least half an hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Heat Up the Grill

Warm your grill to a toasty medium-high temperature around 375°F. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Marinated Chicken

Place the teriyaki-soaked chicken onto the hot grill. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 4: Toast the Burger Buns

While the chicken is grilling, place bun halves on the grill’s edge.

Toast them until they develop a light golden crispness and get those perfect grill marks.

Step 5: Build Your Burger Masterpiece

Create your burger by layering the grilled teriyaki chicken onto the toasted buns.

Add your favorite toppings such as:
  • Fresh lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Crispy onion rings
  • Melted cheese
  • Creamy avocado

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the burgers to plates and serve immediately. The combination of smoky grilled chicken and sweet teriyaki sauce will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Every Time

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper teriyaki flavor absorption and more tender meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Add fresh pineapple slices for extra tropical sweetness and balanced acidity with teriyaki sauce.
  • Swap regular buns with gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Brush additional teriyaki sauce while grilling to enhance caramelization and moisture of chicken.

Delicious Variations on Teriyaki Chicken Burgers to Try

  • Vegetarian Tofu Teriyaki Burger: Replace chicken with firm tofu, marinate in teriyaki sauce, and grill for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the bun and wrap grilled teriyaki chicken in large lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and serve on gluten-free buns or over cauliflower rice.
  • Spicy Asian Fusion Burger: Add sriracha to the teriyaki marinade and top with pickled jalapeños for extra heat.

Pairings That Match Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Beautifully

  • Blend fresh pineapple chunks with coconut milk to mirror the sweet teriyaki sauce and create a refreshing beverage that enhances the burger's tropical-inspired flavor profile.
  • Whip up a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to provide a crunchy, zesty contrast to the rich, grilled chicken burger.
  • Mix mayonnaise with wasabi paste for a creamy, spicy condiment that adds a kick and complements the sweet teriyaki glaze, elevating the overall taste experience.

How to Keep Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Fresh and Juicy

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover teriyaki chicken burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap burger in aluminum foil to prevent drying, heat for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave Quick Option: Place burger on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, store in freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can use pre-made teriyaki sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce often tastes fresher and allows you to control the sweetness and sodium levels.

  • What type of chicken works best for this burger?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean, cook evenly, and absorb marinade well. Chicken thighs can also work if you prefer more flavor and moisture.

  • How long should I marinate the chicken?

Aim for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. Marinating too long can make the chicken texture mushy due to the acids in the sauce.

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Teriyaki Chicken Burger Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Burger Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent teriyaki chicken burger delivers Japanese-inspired flavors between toasted brioche buns. Grilled chicken glazed with sweet-tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 23 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Fresh lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Cucumber slices

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken with teriyaki sauce, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for 30-45 minutes in refrigerator.
  2. Heat grill to medium-high temperature around 375°F, ensuring consistent cooking surface.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid to prevent flare-ups during grilling.
  4. Position marinated chicken on preheated grill, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Check chicken’s doneness by ensuring meat is firm, white throughout, with no pink centers.
  6. Lightly brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
  7. While chicken cooks, simultaneously toast burger buns on grill’s outer edges until edges turn golden and crisp.
  8. Transfer grilled chicken to clean plate, letting meat rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
  9. Construct burger by placing chicken on toasted bun, layering with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and optional pickled vegetables.
  10. Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce over chicken for enhanced flavor profile if desired.
  11. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and crisp texture of grilled components.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper teriyaki flavor infusion, allowing sauce to fully penetrate meat fibers.
  • Ensure grill is clean and lightly oiled to prevent chicken from sticking and tearing during cooking.
  • For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of traditional teriyaki sauce and gluten-free buns.
  • Consider using chicken thighs for juicier, more tender burger texture compared to chicken breasts.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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