Chicken Caesar Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chicken Caesar Burgers are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors, all packed into one tasty burger. The ground croutons give the patties a satisfying crunch, while the Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese create a rich, creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly. Topped with a fresh, tangy Caesar-dressed romaine salad and served on a toasted bun, this burger takes a classic Caesar salad to the next level. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 3 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce

• 4 toasted hamburger buns

• Lemon juice from 1 lemon (optional)

Directions

1. Add croutons to a food processor and pulse 2-3 times, then blend for 20-30 seconds until coarse crumbs form.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ⅓ cup of the ground croutons (reserve the rest), 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Divide into 4 equal patties about 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. If sticky, spritz hands lightly with cooking spray.

3. Place ½ cup Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl or plate. Dip each side of the patties into the Parmesan, pressing gently to coat.

4. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. In a medium bowl, toss romaine with remaining 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and reserved ground croutons.

6. Serve patties on toasted buns topped with dressed romaine, a squeeze of lemon juice, and extra Caesar dressing if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

• Calories: 524 kcal per serving

Variations

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Burgers: For a smoky twist, cook the chicken patties on a grill instead of in a skillet.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or skip the croutons altogether for a gluten-free version of this burger.

• Vegan Option: Swap the ground chicken for a plant-based meat alternative and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing and cheese for a vegan-friendly meal.

• Extra Toppings: Add sliced avocado or even a poached egg for extra flavor and richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The romaine salad should be stored separately from the patties to keep it fresh.

• Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For the best texture, reheat in a skillet to retain the crispiness of the patties.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will have a slightly different flavor but will still work well.

2. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and cook them when ready to serve. This makes for a quicker meal when you’re short on time.

3. Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

4. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, using store-bought Caesar dressing will save time and still provide a great flavor. Just ensure it’s a dressing you love!

5. How can I make these burgers spicier?

To add heat, you can mix some red pepper flakes into the patty mixture or add hot sauce to the Caesar dressing.

6. Can I freeze the patties?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. To cook, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and cook as instructed.

7. Can I substitute the buns?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free bun, lettuce wrap, or even a pita as an alternative to traditional hamburger buns.

8. Is there a low-carb option for this recipe?

To make this recipe lower in carbs, you can skip the buns and serve the chicken patties over a bed of Caesar-dressed romaine lettuce.

9. Can I grill the croutons for more flavor?

Yes, grilling the croutons can add a smoky flavor, which would be a nice addition to the burgers. Simply toast them on a grill for a couple of minutes before adding them to the burger mixture.

10. Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan?

Parmesan adds a sharp flavor that complements the Caesar dressing, but mozzarella can also work for a milder, creamy option if preferred.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Burgers are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining the best of both worlds into a single delicious burger. The crispy croutons, tangy Caesar dressing, and tender ground chicken make for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or a casual gathering, these burgers will undoubtedly become a new favorite.