Name: Chicken Caesar Burgers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

These Chicken Caesar Burgers transform the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar salad into a satisfying handheld meal. Juicy ground chicken patties are infused with Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crispy crouton crumbs, then topped with a Caesar-dressed romaine for the ultimate fusion experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two favorites—Caesar salad and burgers—into one delicious meal
Lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers but still packed with flavor
Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners
Crispy Parmesan-crusted exterior with juicy, flavorful interior
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and sides
Great for meal prep—patties can be made ahead and frozen
Kid-friendly while still sophisticated enough for adults
Perfect balance of protein and veggies in one handheld package

Ingredients

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

Ground chicken provides a lighter base for these burgers compared to traditional beef, with a mild flavor that perfectly showcases the Caesar components. It’s important not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers juicy.
Croutons add both flavor and texture when ground into the patties, providing that signature Caesar salad crunch and helping to bind the burgers together. Use any style you prefer—garlic, herb, or classic.
Caesar dressing is the star flavor component, infusing the patties with that distinctive tangy, savory profile. You can use store-bought or homemade depending on your preference and time constraints.
Garlic amplifies the Caesar flavor profile with its aromatic punch. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
Salt and pepper are simple but essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the burger. Feel free to adjust to your taste preference.
Parmesan cheese serves double duty—mixed into the patties for flavor and used as a coating to create a deliciously crispy exterior when cooked. Freshly grated provides the best flavor and texture.
Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for getting that perfect sear on the burgers without burning. Substitute with olive oil or another neutral cooking oil if needed.
Romaine lettuce provides the classic Caesar salad element with its refreshing crunch. Make sure to slice it thinly for the best burger-topping experience.
Hamburger buns create the perfect vessel for these flavorful patties. Toasting them adds texture and prevents sogginess from the dressed lettuce and juicy burger.
Lemon juice brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrus note that cuts through the richness of the Caesar flavors, though it’s optional if you prefer to stick with just the Caesar dressing.

Directions

Add croutons to a food processor and pulse 2-3 times, then blend for 20-30 seconds until coarse crumbs form.
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.
Place ½ cup Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl or plate. Dip each side of the patties into the Parmesan, pressing gently to coat.
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.
In a medium bowl, toss romaine with remaining 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and reserved ground croutons.
Serve patties on toasted buns topped with dressed romaine, a squeeze of lemon juice, and extra Caesar dressing if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 burger patties, perfect for a family of four or dinner for two with leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 524 kcal per serving

Variations

Greek-Style Caesar Burgers: Add crumbled feta cheese to the patty mixture and top with tzatziki sauce instead of extra Caesar dressing.
Spicy Caesar Burgers: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the ground chicken mixture and add sliced jalapeños to your toppings.
Italian Caesar Burgers: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the patty mixture and top with sliced mozzarella cheese and a dollop of pesto.
Turkey Caesar Burgers: Substitute ground turkey for the chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the patties on a bed of extra romaine lettuce instead of buns for a lower-carb alternative.
Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the patty mixture for additional Mediterranean flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressed romaine separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Uncooked Patties: Form patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers. Use within 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Freezing Cooked Patties: Allow cooked patties to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For refrigerated patties, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through. For frozen cooked patties, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the patties rubbery.
Make-Ahead Tips: The patties can be formed up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before cooking. You can also prepare the ground croutons and Parmesan mixture ahead of time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The cooking time and temperature remain the same—ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Why are my chicken burgers falling apart?

Chicken burgers can be more delicate than beef burgers due to their lower fat content. Make sure you’re not skipping the crouton crumbs, which help bind the patties together. Also, avoid overhandling the mixture and ensure you’re giving the patties enough time to cook on each side before flipping.

Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking in a skillet?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates well. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, being careful when flipping as chicken burgers can be more delicate than beef. Using a grill mat can help prevent sticking.

What can I substitute for Caesar dressing?

If you don’t have Caesar dressing, you can use a combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Greek yogurt with similar seasonings works for a lighter option.

Are these burgers gluten-free?

Not as written, as both traditional croutons and hamburger buns contain gluten. However, you can easily make these gluten-free by using gluten-free croutons and buns.

What sides pair well with these Chicken Caesar Burgers?

These burgers pair beautifully with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta salad. For a lower-carb option, try roasted cauliflower or zucchini.

Can I make mini versions for appetizers?

Definitely! Form smaller patties (about 2 inches in diameter) and reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve on slider buns or as lettuce wraps for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

My ground chicken mixture is too sticky to handle. What should I do?

If your mixture is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before forming patties. You can also lightly wet or oil your hands when forming the patties, or use a large ice cream scoop to portion the mixture.

How do I know when the chicken burgers are fully cooked?

Chicken burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a patty—the meat should be completely opaque with no pink remaining.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of ground croutons to help bind the patties, and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.

Conclusion

These Chicken Caesar Burgers offer a delightful twist on two beloved classics, bringing the unmistakable flavors of Caesar salad to a satisfying burger format. With their Parmesan-crusted exterior, juicy interior, and fresh romaine topping, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—easily adapted to different dietary needs and preferences while maintaining its core Caesar salad essence. Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to beef burgers or simply wanting to switch up your dinner routine, these burgers deliver restaurant-quality flavor with simple at-home preparation. Perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to backyard gatherings, Chicken Caesar Burgers are sure to become a new family favorite that brings everyone to the table with enthusiasm.

Chicken Caesar Burgers