Teriyaki Chicken Burgers with Bang Bang Pineapple Slaw.

Teriyaki Chicken Burgers with Bang Bang Pineapple Slaw. These burgers are packed with flavor and made for summer cookouts. Teriyaki-style chicken burgers with a touch of spice are grilled (or pan-fried), topped with melty Swiss cheese, and finished with a creamy bang bang sauce and fresh pineapple slaw. They’re colorful, delicious, and perfect for summer cookouts.

This is officially my summer of grilling. Between the Miami heat and long summer evenings, I’ve been finding every excuse possible to cook outside. It’s the easiest way to keep the kitchen cool, and honestly, it’s just more fun.

Burgers have been making a regular appearance on the menu, and these burgers are loaded with all the sweet, spicy, crunchy goodness of summer.

My sister actually inspired this recipe. She loves anything with bold Asian-inspired flavors, rich soy-based sauces, pineapple, and a little vinegar. If those ingredients are involved, she’s guaranteed to be excited.

The burgers themselves are simple to make. I use either Japanese BBQ sauce or Primal Kitchen’s Teriyaki Sauce. Then add a little chipotle because I love that combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

You can grill these burgers or cook them in a skillet, but don’t skip the Swiss cheese. It melts perfectly over the burgers and pairs so well with the sweet and savory flavors.

With Father’s Day this weekend and the Fourth of July just around the corner, I can’t think of a better burger to add to the menu. After all, America’s 250th birthday only comes around once, which feels like the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and celebrate with something extra delicious.

Onto the details

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce

• mayo
• sweet Thai chili sauce
• lime zest

Pineapple Slaw

• shredded cabbage
• chopped pineapple
• fresh cilantro

For the Burgers

• ground chicken
• panko breadcrumbs
• Japanese Pineapple BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce
• chipotle chiles in adobo
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• brioche, pretzel buns, or Hawaiian buns – I’m loving using pretzel buns
• Swiss cheese
• cooked bacon

Kitchen Tools

Grab a couple of mixing bowls for the sauce, slaw, and burgers. I like to cook these on the grill, but a grill pan or skillet works just as well. A metal spatula makes flipping easy, and you’ll want a sharp knife and cutting board for chopping the pineapple and cilantro.

The Steps

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start with the Bang Bang sauce. Stir together the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and lime zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside a few spoonfuls for the slaw, then save the rest for assembling the burgers.

Tip: Make the sauce first so the flavors have time to come together while you prep everything else. It only gets better as it sits.

Step 2: Toss the Pineapple Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped pineapple, and fresh cilantro. Add a few spoonfuls of the bang bang sauce and toss until everything is lightly coated. The slaw should be fresh, crunchy, and just a little creamy.

Tip: Don’t overdo the dressing. You want the slaw to stay light, crisp, and crunchy.

Step 3: Mix the Burger Patties

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, teriyaki sauce, chipotle peppers in adobo, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape into 4 equal-sized patties.

Tip: Ground chicken can be a little sticky. Lightly wet your hands before shaping the patties to make the process much easier.

Entertaining Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, form the patties ahead of time and keep them chilled until you’re ready to grill.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Cook the burgers on a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with Swiss cheese and allow it to melt.

Tip: I love these on the grill, but they’re just as delicious cooked in a skillet. Use whichever method works best for you.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Butter the buns and toast until golden and lightly crisp around the edges.

Tip: Never skip toasting the buns. It adds so much flavor and helps everything stay together once you pile on the sauce and slaw.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Spread the remaining bang bang sauce over the toasted buns. Add the cheesy chicken burgers, then top with the pineapple slaw and crispy bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy every sweet, spicy, crunchy bite.

Tip: Be generous with the slaw. It adds the perfect fresh, juicy crunch and makes these burgers feel extra summery.