Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw

If you’re looking for a delicious and quick dinner idea, these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw are just what you need! This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken patties glazed with sweet teriyaki sauce and topped with crunchy sesame slaw creates a flavor explosion that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!

These burgers not only shine at the dinner table, but they also make great leftovers for lunch the next day. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal with family, these burgers are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip up these burgers in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
• Flavor Packed: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the crunchy sesame slaw.
• Family Friendly: Kids love the fun burger format, and you’ll love that it’s packed with protein.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep the patties in advance for an even quicker meal during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers is super simple, thanks to wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Burgers

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Slaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

For Assembly

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil for frying
• 4 brioche buns
• 1/4 cup yum yum sauce (or mayo, sriracha, chili crisp, whatever sauce you like)

Variations

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken thighs instead of ground chicken for a different texture and flavor.
• Go veggie: Make a plant-based version by using chickpeas or black beans blended with spices as your patty base.
• Add some heat: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or sriracha into the burger mixture for a spicy kick.
• Change up the slaw: Try adding grated carrots or sliced bell peppers to your sesame slaw for extra crunch and color.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

Start by tossing together your shredded cabbage, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the burgers. Taste it once it’s mixed; feel free to adjust any of the ingredients until it’s just right for your palate!

Step 2: Form the Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, teriyaki sauce, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and garlic powder. Using clean hands, mix everything together until well-combined—this helps create juicy patties! Form this mixture into four large patties. Ensuring they’re uniform in size will help them cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a skillet. Once hot, carefully add your patties to the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown on one side; flip them over and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until no longer pink inside (a meat thermometer should read at least 165°F). This step is key; cooking them properly ensures they’re safe and scrumptious!

Step 4: Toast the Buns

If there are any burned bits left in the pan after cooking your burgers, wipe it out before moving on. Place your buns cut side down into the skillet over medium-low heat until they’re lightly toasted—this adds a delightful crunch that elevates each bite.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers

Spread yum yum sauce (or your preferred condiment) on both sides of each bun. Now it’s time to stack up! Place one patty on each bun and generously top it with that flavorful sesame slaw you made earlier. Press down gently before slicing into it—you’ll want to savor every delicious bite! Enjoy these tasty burgers; they truly make me smile every time I prepare them!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw

To ensure your Chicken Teriyaki Burgers turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cabbage and green onions will enhance the flavor of your slaw and provide a crunch that complements the juicy burgers.
• Don’t overmix the chicken: Mixing just until combined helps keep the patties tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
• Adjust cooking temperature: If your burgers are browning too quickly, lower the heat. This ensures even cooking without burning the outside.
• Let the slaw rest: Allowing the sesame slaw to sit for about 10 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with sauces: While yum yum sauce is delicious, trying different sauces like spicy mayo or a tangy aioli can add a unique twist to your burgers.

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw

Presenting your Chicken Teriyaki Burgers in an appealing way can make them even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nice crunch and enhances the Asian-inspired theme of the dish.
• Chopped cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: These crispy, naturally sweet fries make for a satisfying side that pairs wonderfully with the savory burgers.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed with sea salt makes for a healthy and protein-packed side that fits seamlessly into this meal.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a cool contrast to the warm burgers and slaw.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides vibrant color and nutrients, making it an excellent choice alongside your hearty burgers.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious burgers throughout the week without the fuss of daily cooking!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover burgers in an airtight container.
• Store the sesame slaw separately to keep it fresh and crunchy.
• Refrigerate both components for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the burgers are completely cooled before freezing.
• Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Slaw is best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen burgers in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat on a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
• If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook. The slaw can also be made a few hours in advance; just add it to the burgers right before serving.

What do I serve with Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw?

These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, steamed vegetables, or a light salad. Feel free to get creative with sides that complement the Asian-inspired flavors!

Is it possible to make Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with sesame slaw spicy?

Yes! You can easily add your favorite spicy sauce or chili flakes to either the chicken mixture or the sesame slaw to bring some heat to this flavorful dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw as much as I do! They’re not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations or ask questions—happy cooking!