Juicy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Burger

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs glazed in sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, stacked with melted cheese and crisp greens in a toasted brioche bun.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken thighs with skin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 tsp white sesame seeds
• 2 burger buns
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 slices tomato
• 4 slices pickled cucumber
• 1/4 white onion, sliced into strips
• 2 slices yellow cheese

Instructions

1. 1Prepare burger toppings

   

   Gather all the burger toppings on a metal tray, including sliced burger buns, tomato slices, onion strips, crisp lettuce leaves, and pickled cucumber slices.

   Tip: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time for a smooth and efficient assembly process.
2. 2Season the Chicken Thighs

   

   Place the raw chicken thighs in a metal tray and sprinkle salt evenly over them using a gloved hand.

   Tip: Ensure the salt is evenly distributed to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. 3Season and Rub with Pepper

   

   Apply ground pepper to the seasoned chicken thighs and use a silicone brush or your hand to rub the spices thoroughly into the meat.

   Tip: Rubbing the seasoning helps it adhere better to the chicken surface before cooking.
4. 4Pan-fry the Chicken Skin-Side Down

   

   Add oil to a frying pan and place the raw chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot pan. Cook on low heat.

   Tip: Starting skin-side down renders the fat and creates a crispy texture.
5. 5Flip the Chicken Thighs

   

   Use tongs to flip the chicken thighs over once the skin is golden, then continue pan-frying the other side for about 2 minutes.

   Tip: Keep the heat low so the meat cooks through evenly without scorching the rendered skin.
6. 6Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce

   

   Pour dark teriyaki sauce directly over the golden pan-fried chicken thighs to glaze and simmer them briefly until flavorful.

   Tip: Simmer briefly in the sauce so the chicken absorbs the rich teriyaki flavor.
7. 7Add white sesame seeds

   

   Sprinkle white sesame seeds evenly over the glazed teriyaki chicken thighs in the pan just before removing them from the heat.

   Tip: Add the sesame seeds at the very end so they retain their crunch and nutty flavor without burning.
8. 8Toast the burger buns

   

   Melt butter in the frying pan and place the burger bun halves face down to toast until golden and fragrant.

   Tip: Watch the heat closely so the butter adds rich flavor and a crisp texture without burning the bread.
9. 9Spread mayonnaise on buns

   

   Using a spatula, spread an even layer of creamy mayonnaise across the surface of the toasted burger bun.

   Tip: Applying mayonnaise while the bun is slightly warm helps it spread smoothly and creates a moisture barrier.
10. 10Assemble Base Layer

    

    Begin building the burger by placing crisp fresh lettuce leaves onto the mayo-spread bun base.

    Tip: Layer the crisp lettuce first to protect the toasted bun from becoming soggy.
11. 11Add Cheese and Glazed Chicken

    

    Place a slice of yellow cheese and a piece of the glazed teriyaki chicken directly onto the layered vegetables.

    Tip: Place the cheese while the chicken is still warm so it melts slightly over the savory meat.

Storage & Make Ahead

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions