Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Burger

Enjoy a juicy, homemade teriyaki chicken burger right at home. Featuring pan-seared chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce, it's the perfect diet-friendly treat.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces deboned chicken thighs
• 2 burger buns
• 1 bunch scallions
• 1 piece ginger
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 slices cheese
• 2 leaves lettuce
• to taste mayonnaise
• to taste honey mustard

Instructions

1. 1Prep the chicken

   

   Place the deboned chicken thigh on a cutting board. Using a fork, poke small holes all over the surface of the meat to help it better absorb the marinade.

   Tip: Poking the chicken allows the marinade to penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
2. 2Marinate the chicken

   

   Place the prepared chicken into a bowl. Add the sliced scallions and ginger, then season with light soy sauce, chili powder, and honey.

   Tip: Ensure the honey is well-distributed to help caramelize the chicken during cooking.
3. 3Massage the marinade

   

   Using a gloved hand, massage the chicken, aromatics, and seasonings together in the bowl until everything is evenly coated.

   Tip: Thoroughly massaging the meat helps the flavors bond quickly with the chicken.
4. 4Chill the chicken

   

   Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least four hours.

   Tip: Marinating for at least four hours is essential for the best flavor and texture.
5. 5Cook the chicken

   

   Place the marinated chicken into a preheated pan. Cook over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides until golden brown.

   Tip: Medium-low heat prevents the honey in the marinade from burning before the chicken is cooked through.
6. 6Prepare the bun

   

   Use a serrated knife to cut a burger bun in half. Place the halves on a wooden cutting board, ready for assembly.

   Tip: Lightly toasting the bun adds a nice crunch that complements the juicy chicken.
7. 7Add the lettuce

   

   Begin assembling the burger by taking the bottom half of the bun and placing fresh green lettuce leaves directly on top. This creates a crisp base layer that will catch the sauces and juices from the chicken.

   Tip: Ensure the lettuce leaves are washed and completely dried beforehand so they dont make the bun soggy.
8. 8Add the sauces

   

   Squeeze mayonnaise in a zigzag pattern over the fresh lettuce leaves. Follow up by adding honey mustard sauce to create a sweet and tangy flavor profile that complements the savory teriyaki chicken.

   Tip: You can adjust the ratio of mayonnaise to honey mustard depending on how sweet or tangy you prefer your burger.
9. 9Place the chicken

   

   Carefully place the hot, cooked teriyaki chicken thigh directly on top of the dressed lettuce and sauces. The heat from the chicken will slightly warm the sauces, while the lettuce acts as a barrier to keep the bottom bun intact.

   Tip: Allow the chicken to rest for a minute or two after taking it out of the pan so the juices dont immediately run out and soak the bun.
10. 10Top with cheese

    

    Place a single slice of cheese directly over the hot cooked teriyaki chicken thigh. The residual heat from the freshly cooked chicken will help gently melt the cheese over the edges of the meat.

    Tip: If the chicken isnt hot enough to melt the cheese, you can briefly use a kitchen torch or pop the bottom assembly under a broiler for a few seconds.
11. 11Serve and enjoy

    

    Serve the freshly assembled teriyaki chicken burger immediately alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.

    Tip: Eating the burger right away ensures the toasted bun remains crisp and the cheese stays perfectly melted.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions