If you love bold, fresh flavors with a perfect balance of savory and tangy, then this Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine juicy ground chicken patties infused with sweet teriyaki sauce, nestled in buttery brioche buns, topped with a crisp, refreshing sesame slaw that adds a delightful crunch and brightness. This dish brings together the best of Asian-inspired flavors in a fun, approachable burger form that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or impressing friends at your next gathering, these burgers deliver satisfaction without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture that make the dish sing. From the savory ground chicken to the zesty sesame slaw, every component contributes something special.
- 1 lb. ground chicken: Provides a lean, tender base that soaks up the teriyaki flavor beautifully.
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: Adds a sweet-savory glaze that keeps the patties juicy and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Lightly binds the patties while keeping them fluffy and not dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle aromatic lift to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the burger mix.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage: The crunchy foundation for the refreshing sesame slaw.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Brings a nutty, toasty depth to the slaw.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a bright tang that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to round out the slaw’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Ensures the slaw isn’t bland but perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion kick and pops of color.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil: Ideal for frying the patties thanks to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- 4 brioche buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that complement the savory-sweet patties.
- 1/4 cup yum yum sauce (or your favorite sauce): Adds creaminess and an extra kick to finish off the burger.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sesame Slaw
Start by tossing together shredded cabbage, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and green onions if you’re using them. This simple slaw delivers a crisp, tangy crunch that perfectly contrasts the richness of the teriyaki chicken. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—it should be bright, balanced, and bursting with freshness.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with teriyaki sauce, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and salt. Use your clean hands to gently mix everything until well incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or your patties will turn tough. Divide the mixture into four even portions and shape them into patties that are slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side until golden and mostly cooked through. Flip them carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, checking to ensure they’re no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. This quick sear locks in moisture and creates a beautifully caramelized crust that makes these burgers irresistible.
Step 4: Toast the Brioche Buns
After cooking the burgers, wipe out the skillet to remove any burnt bits. Place your brioche buns cut-side down in the pan over medium-low heat. Toast them lightly until they’re golden and just slightly crisp on the edges, adding a toasty flavor and texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender patties.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Slather both the top and bottom buns with your preferred sauce—yum yum sauce is a personal favorite here for its creamy, tangy profile. Layer on the juicy chicken patty and generously pile on the crunchy sesame slaw. Press the burger together gently, slice in half if you like, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying bites you’ll have all week!
How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add extra garnishes to elevate these Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw Recipe: a few slices of ripe avocado, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of pickled ginger can add exciting new layers of flavor and texture that will keep your taste buds intrigued.
Side Dishes
Serve these burgers alongside light and refreshing sides like sweet potato fries, edamame salad, or a crisp cucumber salad. These pairings complement the burger’s savory and tangy notes without overpowering them, making your meal balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and sesame slaw as lettuce wraps instead of traditional burgers for a low-carb option. Alternatively, layering the slaw and patty over a bed of steamed rice or inside a wrap can turn this recipe into a whole new dining experience that’s just as exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken patties and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will stay good for up to 3 days, and the slaw can last about the same amount of time, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken patties individually wrapped in plastic or foil, then placed in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. The slaw is best made fresh, but if needed, you can store it separately in the fridge and toss it again before serving.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep them juicy. Toast the buns fresh or briefly warm in a pan to bring back that toasty texture. Add fresh slaw just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the teriyaki flavors. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey can dry out more quickly than chicken.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as a binder in the patties. Panko just helps keep them extra light and tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can try making teriyaki burgers using a plant-based ground meat alternative or even a mashed chickpea and vegetable patty, paired with the same sesame slaw for that amazing crunch and flavor combination.
Can I make the sesame slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir and maybe add a splash of rice vinegar before serving to refresh the flavors.
What other sauces go well with these burgers?
While yum yum sauce is fantastic, you can mix things up with sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or even a spicy chili crisp sauce to tailor the heat and creaminess to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw Recipe as soon as you can. It’s a wonderfully fresh and flavorful twist on the classic burger, bringing a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will make every bite memorable. Once you’ve made these, they just might become a cherished staple in your recipe collection too!
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Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Description
These Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw combine juicy, flavorful ground chicken patties infused with savory teriyaki sauce and crispy panko breadcrumbs, topped with a refreshing sesame slaw. Served on toasted brioche buns with a creamy yum yum sauce, this quick and delicious recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or easy lunch option.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Teriyaki Burgers
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/4 cup yum yum sauce (or mayonnaise, sriracha, chili crisp, or preferred sauce)
For the Sesame 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)
Instructions
- Make the Sesame Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and chopped green onions (if using). Toss everything thoroughly to mix the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, setting aside while you prepare the burgers.
- Make the Burgers: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, teriyaki sauce, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and salt. Mix gently but thoroughly using your clean hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture and shape it into 4 large burger patties.
- Fry the Burgers: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken patties to the hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes on one side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Flip the patties and cook another 2-3 minutes until no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the Buns: Remove the burgers from the pan and wipe out any burned bits if necessary. Place the brioche buns cut side down in the skillet over medium-low heat and toast briefly until lightly golden and warm.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread yum yum sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place a chicken teriyaki patty on the bottom bun, top it generously with the prepared sesame slaw, then cap with the top bun. Press the burger lightly together, slice, and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy flavors!
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute ground turkey if preferred, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- For extra heat, add sriracha or chili crisp to the yum yum sauce.
- The slaw can be made ahead of time and refrigerated to let flavors meld.
- Use brioche buns for a richer sandwich, though any burger bun can be substituted.
