Chicken Teriyaki Burgers Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a burger that brilliantly balances juicy, savory, and sweet flavors, then you are absolutely going to love these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers. They combine tender ground chicken with a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, a crisp tangy slaw, and soft brioche buns that come together to create a mouthwatering experience. These burgers are a perfect twist on a classic favorite, bringing a delightful Asian-inspired flair straight to your dinner table. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with each flavorful bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating delicious Chicken Teriyaki Burgers is surprisingly straightforward when you have the right ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from adding that signature sweet-savory teriyaki glaze to the tender texture of the chicken patties, complemented by the fresh crunch of the slaw and the buttery softness of brioche buns.

• Ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the burgers juicy and light.
• Brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that soak up all the burger juices without falling apart.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Provide structure and a tender bite to the patties.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients in the patties together perfectly.
• Teriyaki sauce ingredients: Low sodium soy sauce, water, dark brown sugar, honey, garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch—combine to make a balanced, glossy sauce full of depth.
• Spices (garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, salt): Build layers of warm, savory flavor within the chicken mix.
• Cooking oil (avocado or olive oil): For browning those patties evenly and adding richness.
• Slaw mix: A fresh, crunchy contrast dressed lightly with mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper for a tangy finish.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Burgers

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by seasoning the ground chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, and salt. Incorporate panko breadcrumbs and the egg gently to hold everything together. Let this mixture chill in the fridge while you prepare the luscious teriyaki sauce—this resting step helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce

In a non-stick pan, warm some oil and cook the grated garlic until aromatic. Add soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, and ginger, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Thicken the sauce slightly with a cornstarch slurry to get that perfect glossy consistency that will coat your burgers with heavenly flavor.

Step 3: Combine Sauce with Chicken and Form Patties

Reserve some sauce for basting and garnishing, then mix a portion gently into the chicken mixture. Be mindful the sauce isn’t too hot to prevent cooking the chicken prematurely. Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, pressing a shallow dent in the center of each to avoid unwanted puffing up while cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers with Care

Heat oil in your now-clean pan and cook the patties over medium heat. After six minutes, flip the burgers and brush generously with the reserved sauce, cooking for another five minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures maximum juiciness and a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Slaw

While the burgers cook, toss together coleslaw mix with mayo, apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt, and pepper. This vibrant slaw brings a refreshing tang and crunch, perfectly balancing the sweet and savory burger flavors.

Step 6: Assemble Your Chicken Teriyaki Burgers

Place a cooked patty on the bottom half of a brioche bun. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce kept aside, add a generous helping of slaw, and crown it with the top bun. The combination of textures and flavors here is pure magic, creating an irresistible meal.

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Burgers

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can elevate your Chicken Teriyaki Burgers to restaurant-quality. Think thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top for an extra touch of color and flavor. A small drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce on the side adds moisture and umami punch that guests will love.

Side Dishes

These burgers pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or even sweet potato fries for a bit of indulgence. The contrast between the hearty burger and the refreshing or crispy sides balances the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin on Chicken Teriyaki Burgers, serve them as sliders at your next party. Using mini brioche buns and stacking a smaller patty with a touch of slaw makes them perfect finger food. Another idea: offer a build-your-own burger station with extra toppings such as avocado slices, pickled ginger, or spicy mayo to tickle everyone’s taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Chicken Teriyaki Burgers left over (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining that juicy flavor as long as they’re wrapped properly.

Freezing

You can freeze both cooked patties and uncooked ones. Place them on parchment-lined trays to freeze individually before transferring to freezer bags, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking.

Reheating

Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat to preserve their texture and flavor, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if needed to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken. Toast the brioche buns separately for that fresh, warm bun feel.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give you a similar lean and tender burger. Just keep an eye on cooking time since turkey can dry out faster.

Is it possible to make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The teriyaki sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed container. Just warm it gently before mixing it into the burgers or using it for basting.

How spicy are these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers?

They are not spicy by default, making them a great family-friendly option. However, you can add a little chili powder or sriracha to the sauce or slaw for a kick if you like some heat.

What’s the best way to prevent the patties from drying out?

Using panko breadcrumbs and the egg helps keep the patties moist. Also, brushing with teriyaki sauce during cooking and checking the internal temperature carefully ensures they stay juicy and tender.

Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute regular panko with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in the teriyaki recipe for a safe, delicious gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Teriyaki Burgers are one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself craving again and again, thanks to their unbeatable balance of flavors and textures. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these burgers are incredibly satisfying and simple to make. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new go-to for burger night!

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