Introduction

The Chicken Caesar Burger is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy ground chicken patties with the fresh flavors of Caesar salad. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout that everyone will enjoy.

A close-up of a chicken burger on a white bun with sesame seeds. The burger has four main layers: at the bottom, a golden-toasted bun topped with fresh green leafy lettuce with a bit of white sauce peeking through, followed by a thick, grilled chicken patty with a crispy browned surface, then a layer of purple-red onion rings, and finally the top white bun with sesame seeds. The burger sits on a round wooden plate on a white marbled surface with some salt grains scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
¼ cup white onion, shredded and moisture squeezed out
2–3 tbsp frozen butter, shredded
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp lemon zest
½ tsp liquid smoke (optional)
2 tbsp finely shredded parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and ground black pepper (to season)
Hamburger buns (regular or gluten-free)
Romaine lettuce
Caesar dressing (regular or dairy-free)
Shaved parmesan cheese
Croutons
Red onion (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the onion by grating it onto paper towels and squeezing out the excess moisture. Also, grate the frozen butter using the same grater.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, frozen butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, liquid smoke (if using), and parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into 4 equal patties, each about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Press a thumbprint indentation into the center of each patty, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes. This step helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.
Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 6: Allow the burgers to rest for 5 minutes after grilling. Then, assemble your burgers by layering patties on buns with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, shaved parmesan, croutons, and optional red onion slices.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the burger mixture.
If you don’t have frozen butter, cold butter cut into small cubes works as well.
Use gluten-free buns and dairy-free Caesar dressing for a gluten- and dairy-free version.
Crumble the croutons inside the patty mixture for an added crunch throughout the burger.

Storage

Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For uncooked patties, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to grilling time.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a chicken burger with five visible layers. The top layer is a golden-brown sesame seed bun with a soft texture. Below it, there are thin, crisp rings of red onion with a slight shine. The third layer is a thick, juicy grilled chicken patty with a light char and moist flaky texture. Beneath the chicken, there is a fresh, bright green leafy lettuce layer that looks crisp and slightly ruffled. The bottom layer is another part of the bun, toasted to a light golden color with a bit of white sauce peeking out. The burger is placed on a white marbled surface, enhancing its fresh and tasty appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a similar flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat or broil them in the oven. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.