Moa Kai from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks features a juicy grilled chicken breast topped with melted Swiss cheese, smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, and creamy avocado, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, delivering a flavorful and satisfying island-inspired burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Plate
- Bread knife
- Toaster or oven
- Spoon
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices smoked bacon
- 2 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 brioche burger buns
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even grilling and easy handling. Fresh avocado should be ripe but firm to achieve the perfect creamy texture without becoming mushy. Toast brioche buns to enhance their buttery flavor and maintain structural integrity when assembling the burger. Select smoky, thick-cut bacon slices to add a rich, savory contrast to the chicken. Perfect your Moa Kai copycat burger at home using these ingredient tips for an authentic Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Place Swiss cheese slices on chicken during the last minute of grilling to melt.
- While chicken is grilling, cook bacon slices in frying pan until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice tomato and avocado; set aside.
- Cut and toast brioche buns in toaster or oven until golden brown.
- Assemble burger: place lettuce and tomato on bottom bun.
- Add grilled chicken breast with melted Swiss cheese.
- Layer crispy bacon slices.
- Spoon sliced avocado over bacon.
- Cap with top brioche bun.
- Serve immediately on platter.
Substitution
The Moa Kai from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks copycat menu captures the essence of the original with its juicy grilled chicken breast and creamy avocado toppings. If you don't have brioche buns, you can substitute with a soft hamburger bun or ciabatta to maintain texture and flavor balance. When fresh lettuce or tomato is unavailable, try using baby spinach or roasted red peppers as alternative greens and toppings. Swiss cheese can be replaced with provolone or mozzarella for a similar melt and mild taste profile. To ensure even cooking, use a grill pan or skillet and flip the chicken with tongs for precise handling during the grilling process.
Tips
Make sure the chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safety and juiciness. Use tongs to handle the chicken and bacon to avoid piercing the meat, which helps retain moisture. Toasting the brioche buns enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the burger ingredients. When slicing avocado, use a spoon to gently scoop it out to maintain clean, even slices for presentation.
Nutritions
The Moa Kai burger combines lean grilled chicken breast, a rich source of protein, with Swiss cheese, which adds calcium and moderate fat content. Smoky bacon contributes additional protein and saturated fat, while fresh lettuce and tomato provide dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Creamy avocado offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, balancing the burger's nutritional profile. Your meal delivers a satisfying mix of macronutrients and micronutrients in an island-inspired, flavorful package.
Storage
Store leftover Moa Kai burger components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture. Keep grilled chicken and bacon refrigerated for up to 3 days, while sliced avocado should be stored with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Your toasted brioche buns can be wrapped in foil and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days before use.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add a bolder flavor profile. You can marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and smoked paprika before grilling to infuse extra island-inspired zest. Try grilling the avocado slices briefly for a warm, smoky twist instead of using them fresh. Your burger will benefit from adding a spread like chipotle mayo or garlic aioli for creamy, spicy notes.
Allergies
Moa Kai contains common allergens such as dairy from Swiss cheese and gluten from the brioche burger buns, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The smoked bacon also poses a potential allergy risk for those sensitive to pork or cured meats. Your awareness of these ingredients is important to avoid adverse allergic responses.
Why this recipe?
The Moa Kai menu from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks stands out for its bold combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and flavorful island-inspired sauces. Customers appreciate the unique blend of juicy, savory beef patties paired with tropical touches like grilled pineapple and teriyaki glaze, creating a distinctive taste experience. Making a copycat version allows you to replicate that perfect balance of sweet and savory at home, ensuring every bite is packed with the same rich flavor profile. Your homemade Moa Kai burger can satisfy cravings while offering customization that matches your personal taste preferences.