Teriyaki Chicken Burgers (Healthy & Juicy)

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (preferably 94% lean); 1 large egg; ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed); ⅓ cup thinly sliced scallions; 2 large garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 4-8 slices pineapple (fresh or canned); 1 medium red bell pepper (de-seeded and cut into rings); 4 buns of your choice (whole wheat, potato, brioche, or sourdough); Lettuce leaves; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free); ¼ cup pineapple juice ( or orange juice); 2 tbsp cold water; 2 tsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 - 2 tbsp honey; ½ tsp sesame oil; ¾ - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 large garlic clove (minced); Shortcut: Use ¼–⅓ cup store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of homemade.

These teriyaki chicken burgers stay juicy (no dry patties) and are easy to make in just 20 minutes. Topped with caramelized pineapple and a refined sugar-free healthy teriyaki sauce, they're a high-protein, healthy weeknight dinner that actually delivers on flavor.

Juicy teriyaki chicken burgers with grilled pineapple and red bell pepper on toasted buns.

A Quick Look At The Recipe

✅ Recipe Name: Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
🕒 Ready In: 20 minutes
👪 Serves: 4
🍽 Calories: ~315 per serving
💪 Protein: ~26g per serving
🥣 Main Ingredients: Ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, pineapple, red bell pepper
📖 Dietary Info: High-protein, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, gluten-free option available
⭐ Why You'll Love It: These teriyaki chicken burgers stay juicy (no dry patties!) and are topped with caramelized pineapple and a refined-sugar-free homemade teriyaki sauce.

SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON

I've been making these teriyaki chicken burgers for years whenever I want something quick but still really flavorful. The sauce is the same one I use in my air fryer teriyaki chicken and healthy teriyaki turkey meatballs-sweet, savory, and made without refined sugar, so it actually tastes fresh and not overly heavy.

Ground chicken can dry out fast, so I tested these a few different ways to make sure they stay juicy (grill, stovetop, and air fryer). If you've made my air fryer chicken burgers or grilled juicy turkey burgers, you'll recognize the texture-tender, flavorful, and never dry.

The grilled pineapple is my favorite part-it caramelizes and makes these feel like a restaurant-style burger with almost no extra effort. It tastes like my sweet, caramelized air fryer pineapple.

Jump to:

A Quick Look At The Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Are These Pineapple Chicken Burgers Healthy?
Ingredients You'll Need
Easy Substitutions & Variations
How to Make Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Burgers (Step-by-Step)
My Best Tips for Ground Chicken Burgers
How to Grill, Pan-Sear, or Air Fry Them
Best Toppings for Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Burgers
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
More Healthy Dinner Recipes with Teriyaki You'll Love
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

They actually stay juicy. Ground chicken can dry out fast, but this recipe is tested to keep the burgers tender every time (no dense or rubbery patties).
Better-than-store-bought teriyaki sauce. It's made with real ingredients and no refined sugar, so it's sweet, savory, and not overly sticky or heavy.
That caramelized pineapple. Balances the savory teriyaki sauce and keeps the burgers from tasting too heavy.
Ready in 20 minutes (grill, stovetop, or air fryer). Super flexible-no special equipment needed, depending on what you have.
High-protein and actually satisfying. Each burger packs ~26g of protein, so it's a healthy dinner that still feels like comfort food.

Are These Pineapple Chicken Burgers Healthy?

Yes-these are a lighter, high-protein alternative to traditional burgers, made with lean ground chicken and ~26g of protein per serving.

High in protein: ~26g per burger.
Leaner than beef burgers: made with ground chicken.
No refined sugar: homemade teriyaki sauce sweetened with honey.
Lighter but satisfying: won't feel greasy or heavy.

Ingredients You'll Need

All the ingredients in teriyaki chicken burgers, including ground chicken, green onion, egg, bread crumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, pineapple, honey, lettuce, orange, and red bell pepper.

Ground chicken (94% lean): My go-to for juicy burgers-lean enough to keep them lighter, but still has enough fat so they don't dry out. If you've made my juicy Asian chicken meatballs, you know this combo works.
Egg: Helps bind everything together so the patties hold their shape without getting dense.
Breadcrumbs (or gluten-free): Adds structure and locks in moisture-this is key for tender, not rubbery, chicken burgers.
Garlic + fresh ginger: Fresh is worth it here. It gives that bold, real teriyaki flavor you just don't get from powders.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Builds that savory base without making the burgers overly salty.
Pineapple (fresh or canned): Caramelizes as it cooks, adding natural sweetness that balances the savory burger.
Red bell pepper: Adds a little crunch and smoky sweetness-an easy way to make these feel more like a restaurant-style burger.
Buns (or lettuce wraps): Use whatever you love-brioche for something classic, or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Homemade teriyaki sauce: This is the game changer. It's made without refined sugar and tastes fresher, lighter, and way better than most store-bought versions.

Scroll to recipe card for quantities!

Easy Substitutions & Variations

Swap the protein: Ground turkey works great here (I've tested both). You can also use lean beef if you want a more classic burger flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
No breadcrumbs? Use oat flour or almond flour-both help keep the burgers tender.
Skip the pineapple: Still delicious without it, or swap it with grilled mango or caramelized onions.
Use store-bought teriyaki sauce: Totally fine-just look for one with simple ingredients and lower sugar. I love Primal Kitchen!
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a little hot honey to the sauce.
Low-carb option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Add cheese: A slice of provolone or mozzarella melts really well with the teriyaki flavors.

How to Make Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Burgers (Step-by-Step)

Mixing ground chicken with breadcrumbs egg garlic and ginger for burgers.

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Don't overmix-this keeps the burgers tender.

Grilled pineapple rings and red bell pepper slices caramelizing on grill.

Step 2: Grill the pineapple and red bell pepper until caramelized. Set aside.

Grilling teriyaki chicken burger patties on grill pan.

Step 3: Form the chicken mixture into four patties. Make sure your grill or grill pan is hot and lightly greased.

Four grilled, cooked, juicy chicken burgers on a plate.

Step 4: Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and lightly golden on the outside (internal temperature reaches 165°F).

Homemade teriyaki sauce simmering in saucepan before thickening.

Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small saucepan (before turning on the heat).

healthy homemade teriyaki sauce in a pot

Step 6: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened.

Brushing teriyaki sauce onto cooked chicken burgers.

Step 7: Brush or coat each burger with the teriyaki sauce. Let them rest for 5 minutes to stay juicy.

Assembling teriyaki chicken burgers with caramelized pineapple, lettuce, charred bell pepper, and extra teriyaki sauce.

Step 8: Assemble the burgers with grilled pineapple, bell pepper, and lettuce on toasted buns. Enjoy!

My Best Tips for Ground Chicken Burgers

Use 94% lean ground chicken: This is the sweet spot for juicy burgers-99% lean tends to dry out quickly.
Don't overmix the meat: Mix just until combined to avoid dense, rubbery burgers.
The mixture should feel slightly sticky: That's a good sign it will stay tender. If it feels dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a little more egg.
Cook just until 165°F: I always use a thermometer-overcooking by even a minute can dry them out.
Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes: This keeps them actually juicy, not just right off the grill.

How to Grill, Pan-Sear, or Air Fry Them

Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F). Add the pineapple and bell pepper to the grill at the same time and cook until caramelized.
Pan-Sear: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. You can cook the pineapple and bell pepper in the same pan for extra flavor.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Cook the burgers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach 165°F. Air fry the pineapple and peppers for a few minutes until slightly caramelized.

Best Toppings for Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

Keep toppings simple-the teriyaki sauce and pineapple do most of the work here.

Grilled pineapple: My go-to. It caramelizes and adds the perfect sweet contrast to the savory teriyaki sauce. You can also use my air fryer pineapple recipe here.
Charred red bell pepper: Slightly smoky and sweet-an easy way to make these feel more elevated.
Crisp lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the juicy burger.
Thinly sliced red onion: A little sharpness cuts through the sweetness (or grill it for a milder flavor).
Avocado slices: Creamy and rich-pairs really well with the sweet and savory flavors.
Spicy mayo or sriracha yogurt sauce: Adds a little heat and creaminess to tie everything together.

Close up of juicy chicken burger with caramelized pineapple and sauce.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Burgers

These teriyaki chicken burgers pair best with fresh, crunchy sides that balance their sweet and savory flavor.

Asian cucumber salad - Fresh, crunchy, and slightly tangy-perfect for balancing the sweet teriyaki flavors.
Thai mango salad - Bright and refreshing with a little sweetness and heat-pairs really well with grilled pineapple.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges - my go-to pairing. The sweetness plays perfectly off the teriyaki sauce.
Crispy potatoes - try my crispy oven roasted potatoes or crispy air fryer smashed potatoes for that classic burger-and-potatoes combo.
Green beans - I love serving these burgers with a side of my sesame-style air fryer green beans.
Roasted broccoli - keeps it light and balanced. I love this crispy air fryer broccolini.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep chicken burgers from drying out?

Use 94% lean ground chicken, don't overmix, and cook just until 165°F. Letting the burgers rest for 5 minutes also helps keep them juicy.

How do you know when chicken burgers are done?

Chicken burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are no longer pink in the center.

Can I air fry teriyaki chicken burgers?

Yes-air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but look for one with simple ingredients and lower sugar; I like the Primal Kitchen brand. Homemade will have the best flavor.

Can I make teriyaki burgers ahead of time?

Yes-form the patties ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or cook and store them for up to 4 days.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Store: Keep cooked burgers (without buns) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let the burgers cool, then wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 45-90 seconds or in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until heated through.

Healthy teriyaki chicken burgers served with caramelized pineapple and bell pepper rings.

More Healthy Dinner Recipes with Teriyaki You'll Love

If you loved these teriyaki chicken burgers, here are a few more high-protein dinners with teriyaki flavor to try next:

Did you make this recipe?

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Comments

5 from 9 votes (6 ratings without comment)