Name: Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⅓ pounds 93% lean ground chicken; ½ medium yellow onion, finely grated and excess moisture squeezed out; 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced; ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup Caesar dressing; 2 finely chopped anchovy fillets or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Nonstick cooking spray; 4 brioche buns, toasted; Extra Caesar dressing; Leaf lettuce or romaine lettuce; Thinly sliced red onion; Shaved Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

There’s something about burger night that always brings everyone to the table with a smile. And if you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic, this Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger is about to become your new go-to recipe. It combines everything we love about a juicy grilled burger with the creamy, tangy flavors of Caesar salad—all tucked inside a soft, toasted brioche bun.

I love making these burgers during grilling season because they’re simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for weekend cookouts. The ground chicken stays incredibly juicy thanks to Caesar dressing and grated onion mixed right into the patties, while Parmesan and garlic add layers of savory flavor. The result? A burger that’s anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends in the backyard, these burgers deliver restaurant-quality flavor without a lot of extra work.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple prep and easy grilling.
Juicy Every Time: Caesar dressing and grated onion help keep the chicken moist and tender.
Family Favorite: Classic Caesar flavors make these burgers a hit with both kids and adults.

Simple Ingredients: Everything can be found at your local grocery store.
Perfect for Cookouts: Great for backyard barbecues, summer dinners, or casual entertaining.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite toppings, cheese, or swap buns to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it transforms everyday ingredients into something that tastes incredibly special.

1⅓ pounds 93% lean ground chicken
½ medium yellow onion, finely grated and squeezed dry
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup Caesar dressing
Optional: 2 finely chopped anchovy fillets or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray

For serving, I recommend:

Toasted brioche buns
Extra Caesar dressing
Crisp leaf lettuce
Thinly shaved onion
Shaved Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Tips

Ground chicken: Use 93% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

Grated onion: This little trick keeps the burgers juicy without leaving noticeable onion chunks.
Caesar dressing: It adds creaminess, seasoning, and moisture all in one ingredient.
Anchovies: Optional, but they deepen the savory Caesar flavor without making the burgers taste fishy.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully into the burger mixture.

If you’re out of brioche buns, potato buns, ciabatta rolls, or even whole wheat buns work wonderfully.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger

1. Prepare the Onion

Grate the onion using the fine side of a box grater. Place the grated onion on paper towels and gently squeeze out excess moisture. This keeps the burger mixture from becoming overly wet while still adding incredible flavor.

2. Mix the Burger Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Ground chicken
Grated onion
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Caesar dressing
Anchovy paste or chopped anchovies (if using)
Salt
Black pepper

Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix—this is the secret to tender burgers.

Don’t worry if the mixture feels soft and sticky. That’s exactly how it should be.

3. Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions.

Shape each into a burger about 1 inch thick and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer them to the freezer for 20 minutes. This quick chill helps the patties firm up and makes grilling much easier.

4. Prepare the Grill

While the burgers chill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 450–500°F.

Clean the grill grates thoroughly, then lightly oil them using a paper towel coated with nonstick cooking spray and grill tongs. This simple step helps prevent sticking.

5. Grill the Burgers

Remove the chilled patties from the freezer.

Use your thumb to press a small indentation into the center of each burger. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from puffing up.

Grill for 6–7 minutes per side with the lid closed.

The burgers are finished when an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F in the center.

If you’re adding cheese, place it on the burgers during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

6. Build Your Burgers

Toast your brioche buns until lightly golden.

Spread extra Caesar dressing on both halves of each bun before adding:

Grilled chicken burger
Crisp leaf lettuce
Thinly shaved onion
Shaved Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while everything is warm and juicy.

Helpful Tips

Chill the patties before grilling to help them hold their shape.
Avoid pressing down on the burgers while they cook—you’ll squeeze out all those delicious juices.

An instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Toasting the buns makes a huge difference. It adds texture and prevents the dressing from soaking into the bread too quickly.
If your burger mixture feels sticky, lightly wet your hands before shaping the patties. It makes the job much easier—and a lot less messy!

Variations and Substitutions

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger is easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

Swap brioche buns for whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or lettuce wraps.
Add sliced tomatoes for extra freshness.
Top with provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or extra Parmesan.
Mix chopped fresh parsley into the patties for a pop of color.

Use Greek yogurt Caesar dressing for a lighter version.
Skip the anchovies if preferred—the burgers will still have plenty of flavor.
Add crispy bacon for an extra indulgent twist.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover burgers store surprisingly well, making them perfect for meal prep.

Refrigerator

Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap each cooked patty individually before freezing for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently:

Microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the burgers moist.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger with grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, crisp romaine lettuce, red onion, and a toasted brioche bun. — This Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger is stacked with juicy grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, and red onion on a perfectly toasted brioche bun.

FAQs About Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely. Form the patties a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.

Can I freeze uncooked burger patties?

Yes. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Why is the burger mixture so soft?

That’s completely normal. The Caesar dressing and grated onion add moisture, which keeps the finished burgers juicy. Chilling the patties makes them much easier to handle.

Can I cook these without a grill?

Definitely. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works beautifully. Cook over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What sides go well with these burgers?

French fries, sweet potato fries, grilled vegetables, pasta salad, potato salad, fresh fruit, or a simple Caesar salad all pair wonderfully with these burgers.

Before You Fire Up the Grill

If you’re ready to shake up your burger routine, this Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger deserves a spot on your menu. It’s juicy, flavorful, surprisingly simple to make, and packed with all the bold Caesar flavors we know and love.

I hope this recipe becomes one of those dependable favorites you turn to all summer long—and honestly, it’s just as delicious any time of year. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share your favorite toppings, or pass this recipe along to someone who loves a great burger as much as you do. Happy grilling!

Complete Your Meal with More Summer Favorites

If you loved this Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger, why not turn it into a full backyard feast? Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that pair perfectly with these juicy burgers:

Cool things down with this refreshing Cucumber Caesar Salad, a crisp and creamy side that brings even more classic Caesar flavor to your plate.
Add a pop of smoky sweetness with Cowboy Butter Roasted Corn, an easy side dish that’s made for summer cookouts.
Serve these burgers alongside a flavorful French Potato Salad, a lighter twist on the traditional barbecue favorite.

Looking for another burger to try next? Don’t miss these Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa, packed with fresh flavors that are perfect for grilling season.

⭐ Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a 5-star rating and share your experience in the comments below. Your reviews help other home cooks find delicious recipes and inspire me to keep creating more easy family favorites for you. Happy cooking!