The Juiciest Maple Soy Glazed Grilled Chicken Burger

Say goodbye to dry grilled chicken. This juicy chicken burger recipe requires little hands-on prep time, takes less than 15 minutes to cook and is the perfect mix of sweet and savoury.

I love everything about grilled chicken. The smell of it on the grill, the look of the grill marks, the flavor of the caramelized marinade. There’s something nostalgic about it. I don’t know why but it brings me back to my childhood and watching my dad at the BBQ.

This juicy grilled chicken burger is packed full of so many delicious flavors thanks to the grilled pineapple, tangy slaw and delicious maple soy marinade. Put it on a freshly baked bun and you have the perfect mix of sweet and savoury in every bite. As a Registered Dietitian, I love having quick and easy dinners in my back pocket for those busy nights like this juicy burger!

How to Marinate Chicken Breasts

Want to know how to keep chicken moist? Use a marinade!

Marinades are often the unsung hero of dinner. They not only add an extra boost of flavor, they also tenderize the meat and add moisture to the dish eliminating any risk of dry chicken (because life is too short to eat dry, bland chicken). If I’m not topping my chicken burger with hot sauce, I’m marinating it.

One of the reasons I love this particular marinade is that it requires only 3 ingredients you most likely will have on hand.

• Soy sauce
• Maple syrup
• Garlic

Simply mix them together and pour over the chicken. I like to marinate my chicken the night before in an airtight container. You know, the set it and forget it method. But if you just decided to make this recipe and want to enjoy it tonight, 30 minutes in this marinade will do the trick.

How to Cook Chicken Breasts on the BBQ

I love grilling chicken breasts or thighs on the BBQ. The grill enhances the flavor (especially with this marinade) and leaves beautiful marks making the chicken picture-perfect. I know barbecuing chicken can be a little intimidating. It takes a little bit of practice but once you get the hang of it I guarantee you will be cooking your meals on the grill year round.

To cook chicken breasts on the BBQ, heat the grill to medium-high and brush with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Once the grill has heated up, put the breast on the grill and BBQ for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the juices run clear. If you’re unsure if your meat is cooked, you can use an instant-read thermometer (you want 165°F) or you can cut the breast in the middle to see if it’s opaque in color.

Can You Make This in the Oven?

Don’t worry! If you don’t have a BBQ but still want to make this chicken burger, you can cook the chicken and pineapple in the oven. If cooking in the oven, follow these steps.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Rip off a large piece of parchment paper, big enough to line the bottom of an 8×10 pan and then fold all the way over the chicken and tuck back underneath it. This will help keep the chicken very moist by partially steaming it.

3. Transfer chicken to the baking dish top (thick) side facing down. Wrap the extra parchment paper over top of chicken and tuck edges underneath the chicken.

4. Check after 20 minutes. Will likely need 30 minutes total. Bake until chicken reaches 165°F or until insides are opaque with no pink when sliced through the thickest part. *Depending on your oven, you may find you need to cook the chicken a bit longer. Let it sit for 5 minutes once removed from the oven.

How to Keep Chicken Moist

Dry chicken is not fun – especially in a burger. So how do you make sure to keep your chicken moist?

1. Don’t overcook your chicken. I know this sounds easier said than done but the number 1 cause of dry chicken is overcooking. Make sure to set a timer or keep an eye on the grill. Use a thermometer if you have one.

2. Let the chicken sit after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the breast. If you cut it immediately, the juices will flow out of the chicken and can leave you with dry meat.

3. Prepare the chicken in a marinade. Marinades are not just for flavor – they add moisture to the chicken and help tenderize it.

What to Serve With

This recipe can be served with almost anything!

I love serving it with my Kale Caesar Salad, Homemade Baked Onion Rings, or my Roasted Beet and Kale Salad. You can also quickly whip up an arugula and tomato salad with honey lime vinaigrette or serve with grilled asparagus.

The options truly are endless!

If you make this recipe don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot so I can see your creations! I hope you enjoy!

Print