Chicken Caesar Burger

Is there anything quite as satisfying as biting into a juicy burger… only to realize it’s actually good for you and tastes like your favorite salad on a bun? Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: the Chicken Caesar Burger.

Whether you’re trying to shake up your grilling routine, please picky eaters, or just find a new weeknight dinner superstar, this burger is about to become your go-to. It’s bursting with bright Caesar flavors—think garlic, parmesan, lemon zest—all nestled into a tender, flavorful chicken patty. And yes, there’s a satisfying crunch from croutons. Because sometimes, life calls for a little extra crunch!

Let’s dig in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Burger

  • Healthier Twist on Comfort Food: All the flavors you adore in a classic Caesar salad—packed into a juicy, lighter chicken burger.
  • Easy to Make: No complicated steps. Simple mixing, a chill in the freezer, and a quick grill session.
  • Perfect for Busy Nights: These burgers come together fast and freeze beautifully for meal prep.
  • Customizable: Go gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb—this burger plays nice with just about every diet.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters and skeptical spouses can’t resist that Caesar dressing dripping down the sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Caesar Burger Patties

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ¼ cup white onion, shredded and squeezed dry
  • 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 but fabulous!)
  • 2 tbsp finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to season

For Assembly

  • Hamburger buns (regular or gluten-free)
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Caesar dressing (regular or dairy-free)
  • Shaved parmesan cheese
  • Croutons
  • Red onion slices (optional)

How to Make Your Chicken Caesar Burger

Prepare Your Ingredients

First up: onion and butter magic.

  • Grate the onion over a paper towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Trust me, your burgers will hold together much better if there’s less liquid hanging around.
  • Grate your frozen butter using the same grater. (Yes, frozen butter! It’s the secret to super-juicy chicken burgers.)

Mix Your Burger Mixture

  • In a big bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, frozen butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, liquid smoke (if you’re feeling fancy), and parmesan cheese.
  • Mix until everything’s evenly combined—but don’t overmix, or your burgers might get dense instead of tender.

Shape the Patties

  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Each patty should be about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
  • Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and stay flat instead of puffing up like a meatball.
  • Sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Chill

  • Place your patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for 20 minutes. This quick chill makes them easier to handle on the grill and helps them keep their shape.

Grill Time!

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high. Brush the grates with oil so your burgers don’t stick.
  • Grill the patties for about 5–6 minutes per side, until they hit an internal temperature of 160°F. Chicken burgers should always be cooked through—no pink centers here.

Rest and Assemble

  • Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes so all those delicious juices stay inside.
  • Now for the fun part: assembly!

Here’s how I layer mine:

  • Lightly toasted hamburger bun
  • A few crisp Romaine leaves
  • Your juicy chicken patty
  • A generous drizzle of Caesar dressing
  • Shaved parmesan
  • Optional red onion for a little extra zing
  • A sprinkle of crunchy croutons (my favorite part!)

Top with the other half of your bun and prepare to be amazed.

Aneta’s Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Caesar Burger

→ Frozen Butter is Magic
If you’ve never added frozen butter to ground meat, you’re in for a treat. It slowly melts as the burgers cook, keeping them juicy and tender. Plus, it adds a luxurious richness without needing extra oil or fat.

→ Don’t Skip the Chill
I know you’re hungry, but freezing the patties for 20 minutes makes all the difference. It prevents them from falling apart on the grill—a total burger heartbreak we all want to avoid.

→ Caesar Dressing Options
Use your favorite bottled dressing, or make it homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. And if you’re dairy-free, there are fantastic vegan Caesar dressings that taste just as good.

→ Crouton Crunch
Croutons on a burger? Yes! It’s a game changer. Add them right before serving so they stay crispy instead of soggy.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Chicken Caesar Burger became my secret weapon during one chaotic summer of backyard BBQs and unexpected dinner guests. My kids were suspicious at first—“Mom, is this just salad on a bun?”—but after one bite, they were hooked. Now, it’s my go-to when I want to impress guests without slaving away in the kitchen all night.

Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about taking the classic Caesar salad, dressing it up as a burger, and watching everyone’s faces light up. It’s chicken magic at its best!

Chicken Caesar Burger with lettuce, red onion, and creamy Caesar dressing on a sesame bun
Sink your teeth into this irresistible Chicken Caesar Burger for a fresh and flavorful twist on classic burgers!

FAQs About Chicken Caesar Burgers

Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken in this Chicken Caesar Burger?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just look for turkey that’s not too lean so your burgers stay juicy.

How do I store leftover Chicken Caesar Burgers?

Wrap cooked patties individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I cook these Chicken Caesar Burgers indoors?

Yes! Pan-sear them over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, or use a grill pan. They’re delicious either way.

Are there gluten-free options for this Chicken Caesar Burger?

For sure! Swap regular buns for gluten-free ones, and double-check that your Caesar dressing and croutons are certified gluten-free.

Let’s Get Cooking!

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic favorite, the Chicken Caesar Burger is where it’s at. It’s juicy, savory, and full of all those creamy, garlicky Caesar vibes we love—packed into an easy-to-grill patty that’s perfect for busy weeknights or summer BBQs.

So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a little chicken magic. Trust me: once you try this burger, plain old beef patties just might feel a little… well… basic.

More Chicken Magic You’ll Love

If you’re as hooked on chicken creations as I am, don’t stop at the Chicken Caesar Burger! Check out these delicious ideas to keep the chicken magic going:

Go ahead and explore these recipes—because there’s always room for more chicken magic on your table!

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Chicken Caesar Burger with lettuce, red onion, and creamy Caesar dressing on a sesame bun

Chicken Caesar Burger


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 27 mins
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x

Description

Juicy, flavorful Chicken Caesar Burgers bring the zesty taste of Caesar salad to a tender grilled chicken patty. Packed with parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and creamy Caesar dressing, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or summer grilling. A delicious twist on classic burgers that’s sure to please everyone at the table!


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Patties:

    • 1 lb ground chicken

    • ¼ cup white onion, shredded and squeezed dry

    • 23 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 taste

  • For Assembly:

    • Hamburger buns (regular or gluten-free)

    • Romaine lettuce

    • Caesar dressing (regular or dairy-free)

    • Shaved parmesan cheese

    • Croutons

    • Red onion slices (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients:

    • Grate the onion onto paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture.

    • Grate frozen butter using the same grater.

  2. Mix Burger Mixture:

    • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, frozen butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, liquid smoke (if using), and parmesan cheese. Mix until just combined.

  3. Form Patties:

    • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about ½–¾ inch thick.

    • Press a thumbprint indentation into the center of each patty and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

  4. Chill:

    • Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.

  5. Grill:

    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.

    • Grill the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  6. Rest & Assemble:

    • Let burgers rest for 5 minutes.

    • Assemble each burger on a toasted bun with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, red onion, shaved parmesan, and croutons.

    • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Frozen butter is the secret to ultra-juicy chicken burgers!
Don’t skip chilling the patties — it helps them hold shape on the grill.
For dairy-free, choose a dairy-free Caesar dressing and omit parmesan.
Ground turkey can be swapped for chicken if desired.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Category: Lunch , Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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