Pin it This tropical burger combines juicy seasoned chicken patties with caramelized grilled pineapple rings, creating a perfect sweet and savory balance. The homemade chicken mixture features fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for extra depth of flavor. Each burger is assembled with crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and tangy barbecue sauce on toasted buns. Ready in just 40 minutes, these burgers bring island flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Last summer my friend Sarah came back from Oahu and couldnt stop talking about this burger shed eaten at a beachside shack. We spent three weekends in my tiny apartment kitchen trying to recreate it, burning through pineapples and laughing at our failed attempts. The breakthrough happened when I stopped treating it like a regular burger and embraced the sweet and savory combination instead.
My dad visited last month and I made these for dinner. Hes a beef burger purist and was skeptical about the pineapple, but after that first bite he went quiet. Now he texts me every week asking when were having them again.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Chicken breast stays lean but I prefer thigh meat mixed in for extra juiciness and flavor
- Fresh ginger: Grated fresh ginger makes a huge difference over the powdered stuff, giving the patties a bright zing
- Pineapple rings: Fresh pineapple grills beautifully but canned works in a pinch, just pat them really dry first
- Barbecue sauce: A sweet and smoky sauce ties everything together, though teriyaki works beautifully too
- Red onion: Thinly sliced raw onion adds the perfect sharp crunch against the sweet pineapple
Instructions
- Mix the patties:
- Combine the ground chicken with onion, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly distributed but dont overwork the meat
- Form the burgers:
- Divide into four portions and shape them slightly wider than your buns since theyll shrink as they cook, making a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up
- Grill the chicken:
- Cook the patties on a preheated grill for about 6 minutes per side until theyre golden and cooked through, adding cheese in the last minute if youre using it
- Caramelize the pineapple:
- Toss the pineapple rings on the grill for just 2 minutes per side until you get those gorgeous char marks and the natural sugars start to bubble
- Toast and assemble:
- Lightly toast the buns on the grill, then stack with sauce, lettuce, tomato, the chicken patty, that beautiful grilled pineapple, and red onion
Pin it These became our go-to Friday night dinner during a sweltering July. Wed eat them on the back steps, pineapple juice running down our wrists, feeling like we were somewhere far from the city.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap the barbecue sauce for spicy mayo, and other times I add pickled jalapeños if Im craving heat. My sister uses teriyaki sauce instead of barbecue and swears its the only way to eat them.
Perfect Sides
Sweet potato fries are obvious, but a cool crunchy slaw cuts through the richness beautifully. On lazy nights I just slice up some cucumbers and call it dinner.
Grilling Success
Keep the grill at medium heat so the chicken cooks through without burning the outside. If the pineapple is sticking, give it another minute and itll release naturally.
- Brush the grill with oil right before adding the patties
- Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes after grilling
- Dont press down on the patties with your spatula
Pin it Theres something about that first bite when the sweet pineapple hits the savory chicken that just works. Hope these bring a little sunshine to your table too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh or canned pineapple?
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Both work perfectly. Fresh pineapple offers a slightly brighter flavor, while canned rings are convenient and consistently sweet. Drain canned rings well before grilling to prevent excess moisture.
- → How do I know when the chicken patties are done?
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The patties are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). They should feel firm to the touch and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
- → Can I make the patties ahead of time?
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Yes, shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them separated by parchment paper in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature for 10 minutes before grilling.
- → What sides pair well with these burgers?
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Sweet potato fries, crispy coleslaw, or a tropical fruit salad complement the Hawaiian flavors beautifully. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
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Simply omit the cheese slices or use a dairy-free alternative. Ensure your burger buns and barbecue sauce are certified dairy-free. Most sauces and buns are naturally dairy-free, but always check labels.
