If you’ve ever wished that your favorite Caesar salad could somehow be transformed into a juicy, flavorful burger, you’re in for an absolute treat. This Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe brilliantly combines the crisp, tangy goodness of Caesar salad with the satisfying heartiness of a burger. Every bite bursts with that unmistakable blend of parmesan, garlic, and fresh romaine, making it a fresh and exciting twist to your usual burger line-up. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a small gathering, this dish is guaranteed to turn heads and please appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe shine. Each item plays an essential role, from the tender ground chicken providing a light but hearty base, to the crispy croutons adding texture and depth.
- Ground chicken: Choose fresh, lean ground chicken for juicy, tender patties.
- Croutons: These will be pulsed into coarse crumbs to add delightful crunch and structure inside and on top of the burgers.
- Caesar dressing: Provides that iconic creamy, tangy flavor signature to Caesar dishes.
- Garlic clove: Finely minced to infuse the patties with a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every other ingredient.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that nutty, salty richness both inside and as a crust on the patties.
- Avocado oil: For cooking—the perfect neutral oil that helps form a golden crust without overpowering flavors.
- Romaine lettuce: Thinly sliced to create a crisp, fresh Caesar slaw topping.
- Toasted hamburger buns: To hold everything together with a satisfying crunch at the edges.
- Lemon juice: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh burst of brightness that complements the creamy dressing.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Pulse the croutons
Start by pulsing the croutons in a food processor just a few times until you get coarse crumbs that are not too fine. These ground croutons are a game-changer—they add a wonderful crunch and help bind the patties while keeping them light and airy.
Step 2: Make the patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with about one-third of the ground croutons, some Caesar dressing, a couple of tablespoons of parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until incorporated but not overworked to keep the texture tender. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form thick patties roughly 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. If the mixture sticks to your hands, a quick spritz of cooking spray works wonders.
Step 3: Coat the patties with parmesan
Pour the remaining grated parmesan into a shallow plate. Lightly press each side of the patties into the cheese, allowing it to cling and form a flavorful crust during cooking. This step enriches the patties with an irresistibly crispy, savory coating that seals in juicy, tender chicken inside.
Step 4: Cook the patties
Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties gently into the pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when the parmesan crust turns beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. This cooking time ensures the patties remain juicy without drying out.
Step 5: Prepare the Caesar slaw
While your burgers are cooking, mix the thinly sliced romaine with the rest of the Caesar dressing, remaining parmesan, and the reserved ground croutons. This mixture becomes your crunchy, tangy slaw topping—a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy patties.
Step 6: Assemble and serve
Place each chicken patty on a toasted bun, top generously with a scoop of the Caesar slaw, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of zing. Feel free to add extra Caesar dressing to amp up the creamy, bold flavor that makes this Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra shaving of parmesan cheese on top of the Caesar slaw adds a lovely finishing touch. You might even want a few anchovy fillets for the purists who love that classic Caesar bite. These simple garnishes elevate the experience and decorate your burger beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with crispy sweet potato fries, a light cucumber salad, or even garlic-parmesan roasted asparagus to keep the meal balanced yet indulgent. The bright, herby sides complement the richness without overshadowing the distinctive Caesar flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the patties open-faced on a crostini or as sliders for a party platter. You can also turn the Caesar slaw into a small side salad for those who prefer less topping. Presentation is the perfect opportunity to showcase the fresh, vibrant colors of this dish while making it inviting and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe patties or slaw, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties stay fresh for up to 3 days, preserving their tender texture and flavor. Keep the buns aside until ready to eat to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped but uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once firm. Frozen patties last up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking results.
Reheating
Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally to warm through without drying out the crust. The Caesar slaw is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a day or two; just toss again with a little extra dressing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work similarly with the croutons and seasonings, although chicken tends to have a milder flavor that pairs exceptionally well with Caesar dressing.
What’s the best way to make sure the patties don’t fall apart?
The croutons act as a binder here, so be sure to pulse them to coarse crumbs and mix the ingredients gently. Avoid over-mixing, as that can make the patties dense and prone to breaking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the croutons for a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative or crushed gluten-free crackers. This will maintain the texture without gluten concerns.
Is it necessary to toast the buns?
Toasting the buns is highly recommended—it adds a crispy layer that keeps the buns from becoming soggy from the juicy patties and dressing, plus it enhances flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the Caesar slaw in advance?
You can prep the romaine and mix with dressing shortly before serving to keep it crisp, but avoid mixing too far ahead as the lettuce may wilt. Storing the croutons separately until right before serving helps maintain crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe is one of those rare creations that feels both indulgent and fresh, perfectly capturing the essence of a Caesar salad in burger form. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests. I encourage you to try making this delicious recipe—it might just become your new favorite twist on classic comfort food!
Print
Chicken Caesar Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Caesar Burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger, combining juicy ground chicken patties mixed with Caesar dressing, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then coated in a crispy Parmesan crust. Served atop toasted buns with a tangy Caesar slaw made from romaine lettuce and ground croutons, they offer a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup croutons (about ½ cup once ground)
- 5 tablespoons Caesar dressing (divided, plus more for serving)
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Caesar Slaw & Assembly
- 3 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
- 4 toasted hamburger buns
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon, optional)
Instructions
- Pulse croutons: Add the croutons to a food processor. Pulse 2-3 times, then blend for 20-30 seconds until a coarse crumb forms, which will be used in both the burger mixture and the Caesar slaw.
- Make patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, â…“ cup of the ground croutons (reserve the rest), 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to retain moisture. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties approximately 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. If sticky, lightly spritz hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat the patties: Place ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Dip each patty on the flat sides into the Parmesan, pressing lightly to adhere, then flip and repeat on the other side to create a flavorful crust.
- Cook the patties: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Make Caesar slaw: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced romaine lettuce with the reserved ground croutons, remaining 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese to create a fresh and creamy slaw topping.
- Assemble and serve: Place each cooked patty on a toasted hamburger bun. Top generously with the Caesar slaw, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if using, and additional Caesar dressing on top to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For juicier patties, avoid overmixing the chicken mixture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, place croutons in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point, but you can substitute with olive oil.
- To ensure the perfect crust, do not move patties during the first 5 minutes of cooking on each side.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, but it is optional.
- These burgers can be served with a side salad or baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
