Delicious grilled chicken breasts marinated in teriyaki, finished with grilled pineapple, red onion, melted provolone, crispy bacon, lettuce, and a toasted bun. This Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Burger is sweet, savory, and perfect for backyard cookouts.
Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Burger
Imagine a juicy, marinated chicken breast kissed by the grill and topped with melty provolone, a caramelized pineapple ring, sweet grilled red onion, and crisp bacon. The toasted bun adds crunch and warmth, while a fresh lettuce leaf keeps everything balanced. This burger is an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for summer gatherings.
I first heard about this combination from a friend who swore by the teriyaki-marinated chicken paired with grilled pineapple. I tweaked the details and landed on a version that’s tender, well-seasoned, and loaded with complementary textures and flavors. Marinating the chicken ahead of time makes prep effortless, and everything grills quickly once the heat is up.
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki marinade brings salty, slightly sweet umami to the chicken. I like to marinate the breasts for at least four hours so the flavor penetrates, and up to 24 hours when I have the time. When the chicken hits the hot grill it chars gently, sealing in juices. Add a slice of provolone near the end of cooking so it melts over the breast.
Don’t skip grilling the pineapple and red onion—caramelizing them brings out natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with teriyaki. And yes, bacon is optional but highly recommended. Finally, toasting the inside of the buns in butter on the grill gives the burger a professional finish and keeps them from getting soggy.
Ingredients needed to make Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Burger
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded evenly if needed)
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 pineapple rings
- 1 red onion, sliced into rings
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
How to make Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Burger
1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts and teriyaki sauce in a resealable bag or shallow dish, removing as much air as possible. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, turning once if convenient. When ready to grill, discard the marinade.
2. Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill pineapple and onion: Place pineapple rings and red onion slices on the grill. Grill the pineapple about 3 minutes per side until caramelized and tender. Grill the onion about 4 minutes per side until softened and slightly charred. Remove and tent with foil to stay warm.
4. Grill the chicken: Grill the marinated chicken breasts 4 minutes per side, then check internal temperature—chicken should reach 165°F. During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of provolone on each breast so it melts. Remove the chicken and let it rest briefly.
5. Toast the buns: While the chicken cooks, butter the insides of the buns and place them butter-side down on the grill until golden and toasted. Remove from the heat.
6. Assemble the burgers: On the bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf, then the teriyaki chicken breast with melted cheese, a grilled red onion slice, a pineapple ring, and two strips of bacon. Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Tips and variations
- For extra char, brush a bit of the reserved teriyaki sauce on the chicken during the last minute of grilling (discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken).
- Swap provolone for pepper jack if you want a little heat, or Swiss for a milder melt.
- Make it lighter by omitting the bacon and using whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps.
- If grilling for a crowd, you can cook the pineapple and onions on a grill pan or sheet to save space on the grates.
Nutrition Information (per burger)
Calories: 664 kcal, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 44 g, Fat: 35 g, Saturated Fat: 15 g, Cholesterol: 135 mg, Sodium: 2453 mg, Potassium: 844 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 17 g, Vitamin A: 2280 IU, Vitamin C: 13.6 mg, Calcium: 326 mg, Iron: 3.3 mg.
Note: Nutrition values are estimates calculated by a program and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. For precise dietary information, consider using your preferred nutrition calculator or consulting a nutrition professional.
More grilled chicken and burger ideas
Try this recipe alongside other grilled chicken favorites like Caesar-grilled breasts, ranch-seasoned drumsticks, or chicken kabobs with peppers and onions. For burger inspiration, experiment with smoked beef patties, cheesy bacon burgers, or a classic grilled hamburger to round out your grilling repertoire.