Transform your favorite Caesar salad into a burger worth craving. The Chicken Caesar Burger takes everything you love about that creamy, garlicky classic, parmesan, lemon, romaine, and Caesar dressing, and layers it between toasted buns for a juicy, flavorful experience. Perfect for grill nights, summer dinners, or a weeknight upgrade that feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties

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, for grilled flavor)
2 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For Assembly

4 hamburger buns (regular, brioche, or gluten-free)
Romaine lettuce leaves
Caesar dressing (regular or dairy-free)
Shaved parmesan cheese
Croutons (whole or crushed)
Red onion slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Grate the onion and squeeze out excess liquid using a paper towel. Using the same grater, shred frozen butter (this keeps the chicken juicy as it melts inside the patty).

2. Mix the Chicken 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. Mix gently with a fork or hands—don’t overwork it.

3. Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a ½–¾ inch thick patty. Press a small thumbprint indentation in the center (to prevent puffing while grilling). Season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Chill the Patties

Place patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.

5. Grill (or Pan-Sear)

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly.
Grill patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
→ If pan-searing, cook over medium heat in a lightly oiled skillet for the same time.

6. Rest and Assemble

Let burgers rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Toast the buns lightly, then assemble:
Bottom bun → lettuce → burger patty → Caesar dressing → red onion → shaved parmesan → crushed croutons → top bun.

Serve immediately while warm and slightly crisp.

Tips & Tricks for Juicy Chicken Burgers

Use frozen butter – It melts inside the patty as it cooks, creating that juicy texture.
Keep ingredients cold – Cold meat + cold fat = tender burger.
Make a thumbprint – Keeps the burger from doming in the center.
Toast the buns – Adds crunch and prevents sogginess.
Crush croutons lightly – Sprinkle inside the bun for that Caesar-style crunch.

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo, dairy-free Caesar dressing, and omit parmesan.
Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free buns and croutons.
Low-Carb: Serve the patty on a bed of romaine with Caesar dressing and croutons for a deconstructed salad-burger bowl.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep chicken burgers from drying out?

Add moisture-rich ingredients like grated onion, mayo, or frozen butter. Don’t overmix or overcook—the ideal internal temperature is 160°F.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Shape patties up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before cooking).

What’s the best Caesar dressing for this burger?

Homemade dressing or any creamy, garlicky store-bought version works. For lighter flavor, try Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing.

Nutrition Information (per burger, no toppings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~380 kcal
Protein	~25 g
Fat	~22 g
Carbohydrates	~18 g
Sodium	Moderate to High (depends on dressing)

The Chicken Caesar Burger isn’t just another grilled sandwich, it’s a delicious reinvention of a salad classic. Each bite delivers juicy chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy lettuce, and salty parmesan in perfect harmony. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down, and it’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight meal or your next backyard BBQ.

So go ahead, fire up that grill (or skillet), grab some buns, and let this Caesar-inspired masterpiece become your new favorite burger.