This chicken teriyaki burger for toddlers replicates the template from the smashburger on the site–golden brown outside, creamy middle, nutrition packed in–with a slightly sweeter profile, thanks to the addition of teriyaki sauce. You could, of course, leave the kale out, but why? There is no better place to hide vegetables than a burger, my friend.
Check out our other great burger recipes or chicken dishes!
What’s in a Chicken Teriyaki Burger For Toddlers?
This burger keeps things simple but thoughtful. You’ll find:
- Ground chicken – Lean, mild, and soft enough for younger kids
- Teriyaki sauce – Just enough to add flavor without being overpowering
- Finely chopped spinach and carrots – Blended right in for extra nutrition
- Breadcrumbs and egg – To bind everything into patties that hold together well during cooking
- Sesame bun or slider bun – Soft and the perfect size for toddler hands
You can serve it as-is or add a thin spread of ketchup, a slice of cheese, or even a little grilled pineapple for a fun variation.
How to Make It (In a Nutshell)
- Mix all the burger ingredients in a bowl.
- Shape into patties and cook on a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Serve warm on a soft bun with your toddler’s favorite sides.
It’s a one-bowl, one-pan kind of recipe—just the way weeknights should be.
FAQ
Can I freeze these patties?
Yes! Freeze raw patties between layers of parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Is this burger too salty for toddlers?
Not at all. The teriyaki flavor is kept light, and you can always opt for a low-sodium sauce if desired.
What age is this appropriate for?
Once your toddler is confidently chewing and managing mixed textures—usually around 18 months and up—this burger can be a great addition to their plate.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
Chicken Teriyaki Burger for Toddlers – Easy, Flavor-Packed Kid-Friendly Recipe
Description
Chicken teriyaki probably isn’t the first flavor that comes to mind when you think of toddler meals—but this burger just might change that. Mild, slightly sweet, and packed with hidden veggies, this toddler-friendly take on the classic chicken teriyaki burger is tailor-made for little hands and picky eaters. It’s juicy, easy to chew, and totally customizable based on what your child likes (or doesn’t like) this week.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep
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Remove leafy ends of kale from stems; discard the remaining fibrous parts of stalk. Chop or chiffonade the kale into small bits and place into a large bowl.
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Add chicken meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, a small spoonful of mayo, and a generous pour of teriyaki sauce into the bowl; with your hands, mix and mesh until all the components are combined into one meld. Seal bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook
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Heat a large saute pan to Medium High, adding a small pool of oil once hot.
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Scoop out a handful of the meat mixture and form into a round; place onto hot stove. Smash ball down until in patty form; repeat until pan is filled but patties are not touching each other. Cook for two minutes, then turn temperature down to Medium and cook for an additional two minutes.
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Flip patties over, then repeat process for other side: two minutes on Medium High, followed by two minutes on Medium. Remove from heat.
Serve
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We often treat this like a burger for our toddler: put it on a bun, slather it in favorite condiments, and cut into the appropriate sized pieces. But it’s great for an infant served straight up–plenty flavorful on its own–and can be stuffed into a myriad of finger foods: empanadas, dumplings, and so on.
Adapt
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Don’t have, or don’t want to use, teriyaki? You could substitute with pretty much any sauce: BBQ, ranch, etc. My recommendation: pour in some leftover “green sauce” (p.xx)--feel free to hold the kale–and you’ll get a creamy, unctuous burger in its own right. Trust me, it’s great–and your child won’t know the difference.
