Chicken Caesar Burger Recipe

Juicy Chicken Caesar Burger Recipe: Backyard BBQ Favorite

Every backyard barbecue gets a zesty upgrade with this mouthwatering chicken caesar burger that blends classic sandwich comfort with fresh Mediterranean flair.

Crisp romaine leaves and tangy parmesan create an irresistible flavor profile for hungry grill enthusiasts.

Juicy chicken patties promise a lighter alternative to traditional beef options.

Seasoned breadcrumbs and grated cheese ensure each bite delivers maximum taste sensation.

Homemade caesar dressing adds a creamy, bold punch that elevates this burger from ordinary to extraordinary.

Subtle garlic notes and bright lemon undertones make this recipe a crowd-pleasing champion.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and impress everyone with this game-changing burger masterpiece.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger Turns a Salad into a Sandwich

  • Foolproof Grilling Technique: Freezing patties before grilling ensures they hold shape perfectly, preventing crumbly mishaps and guaranteeing a professional-looking result.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elevate weeknight dinners with sophisticated Caesar-inspired flavors that impress without complex cooking skills, making gourmet dining accessible to everyone.
  • Time-Saving Meal Prep: Prepare patties in advance, freeze them, and grill within 15-20 minutes, creating a convenient solution for busy families craving delicious, homemade burgers.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger Ingredient Set

Burger Proteins:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base with mild flavor, fresh and high-quality chicken works best.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty flavor, authentic aged cheese recommended.
Burger Moisture and Binding Ingredients:
  • White Onion: Creates moisture and subtle sweetness, fresh and finely grated.
  • Frozen Butter: Helps keep burger juicy and adds richness, extra cold butter preferred.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and helps bind ingredients, full-fat version suggested.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality, fresh minced garlic recommended.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces umami and complex savory notes, traditional version preferred.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy sharpness, smooth Dijon style works best.
  • Lemon Zest: Offers bright citrus undertones, fresh zested preferred.
  • Liquid Smoke: Provides smoky flavor, use sparingly for subtle effect.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor, coarse grain preferred.
  • Ground Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Other Burger Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for grill preparation, extra virgin recommended.
Burger Assembly Ingredients:
  • Lettuce: Provides crunch and freshness, crisp romaine suggested.
  • Caesar Dressing: Adds creamy tangy flavor, homemade or quality store-bought.
  • Red Onion: Introduces sharp bite and texture.
  • Croutons: Adds crunch and traditional Caesar salad element.
  • Burger Buns: Serves as base for burger, soft and fresh preferred.

Chicken Caesar Burger Grilling Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Clean grill grates thoroughly and heat to medium-high temperature.

This ensures a perfect sear and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Prep Onion and Butter

Use a cheese grater with paper towels to:
  • Grate white onion
  • Squeeze out excess moisture with paper towel
  • Shred frozen butter

Step 3: Mix Burger Ingredients

Combine in a large bowl:
  • Ground chicken
  • Grated white onion
  • Grated butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon zest
  • Liquid smoke
  • Parmesan cheese

Blend ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 4: Shape Burger Patties

On a parchment-lined baking sheet:
  • Divide mixture into 4 equal patties
  • Make each patty 1/2-3/4 inches thick
  • Press thumb in center to create an indent

Step 5: Chill Patties

Place patties in freezer for 20 minutes to help maintain shape during grilling.

Step 6: Season Patties

Generously sprinkle kosher salt and ground black pepper on top of patties.

Step 7: Oil the Grill

Use tongs and paper towel to lightly oil grill grates with olive oil.

Step 8: Grill Burgers

Place patties on direct heat:
  • Close grill lid
  • Cook 5-6 minutes per side
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 160 degrees
  • Add cheese during last 1-2 minutes if desired

Step 9: Rest Burgers

Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Assemble Burger

Layer on bottom bun:
  • Lettuce
  • Caesar dressing
  • Chicken burger
  • More Caesar dressing
  • Red onion
  • Additional lettuce
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Croutons
  • Top bun

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Dive into your delicious Chicken Caesar Burger!

Burger Assembly Tips for Grilled Chicken Caesar Style

  • Squeeze grated onions thoroughly using paper towels to prevent soggy burger patties and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Freezing patties for 20 minutes helps them maintain shape, making grilling easier and preventing crumbling.
  • Lightly oil grill grates with a paper towel and tongs to prevent sticking and create perfect grill marks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160 degrees for safe and perfectly cooked chicken burgers.
  • Layer Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese to elevate the burger's taste and add delightful texture variations.

Chicken Caesar Burger Storage Plan

  • Store leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place burgers on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Warm burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they're heated thoroughly without burning.

Crispy Pairings for Chicken Caesar Burger

  • Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Crisp White Wine Spritzer
  • Elevate the grilled chicken burger with a light, zesty white wine spritzer that complements the creamy Caesar flavors and cuts through the richness of the burger.
  • Flavor-Boosting Side Companion: Herb-Roasted Asparagus
  • Create a vibrant green side dish with roasted asparagus seasoned with lemon and parmesan to mirror the burger's Caesar-inspired profile.
  • Palate-Cleansing Salad Match: Arugula Citrus Salad
  • Prepare a bright arugula salad with fresh citrus segments and a light vinaigrette to balance the burger's creamy and smoky elements.
  • Craft Beer Complement: Crisp Pilsner
  • Select a clean, crisp pilsner that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy Caesar burger, cleansing the palate between bites.

Caesar Chicken Burger with Crisp and Creamy Swaps

  • Vegetarian Chickpea Burger: Replace ground chicken with mashed chickpeas, adding extra binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg to maintain texture.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the bun, wrap burger in large crisp lettuce leaves, reducing carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
  • Mediterranean-Style Burger: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano into chicken mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and select gluten-free buns to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the chicken burger from falling apart on the grill?

Chill the patties in the freezer for 20 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from breaking apart when you flip them.

  • Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the freezer, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

  • What makes these chicken burgers different from regular chicken burgers?

The addition of grated frozen butter, parmesan cheese, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke creates a more complex, flavorful burger that’s juicier and more interesting than a standard chicken patty.

  • Is there a way to check if the burger is fully cooked without cutting into it?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through while remaining juicy.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Caesar Burger Recipe

Chicken Caesar Burger Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent grilled chicken caesar burger elevates sandwich perfection with classic Italian flavors and zesty caesar dressing. Crisp lettuce, parmesan cheese, and juicy chicken create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Burger Base:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, finely shredded
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 23 tablespoons frozen butter, shredded

Mixed Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup white onion, shredded
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground black pepper

Toppings:

  • Hamburger bun of your choice (regular or gluten-free)
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Caesar dressing (or dairy-free caesar dressing)
  • Shaved parmesan cheese
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grill by cleaning the grates and heating to medium-high temperature.
  2. Grate white onion onto paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Shred frozen butter using a cheese grater.
  4. Mix ground chicken with grated onion, butter, garlic, worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon zest, liquid smoke, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
  5. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until well incorporated.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, approximately 1/2-3/4 inches thick, creating a small indent in the center of each.
  8. Refrigerate patties for 20 minutes to firm up and maintain shape.
  9. Season patties generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
  10. Lubricate grill grates with olive oil using tongs and a paper towel.
  11. Carefully place patties on the grill over direct heat and close the lid.
  12. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
  13. Add cheese during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking if desired.
  14. Remove burgers and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
  15. Assemble the burger by layering lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by caesar dressing, chicken patty, additional dressing, red onion, more lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons.
  16. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Squeeze out excess liquid from grated onion to prevent soggy burger patties and ensure a crisp, well-bound texture.
  • Freezer Trick: Chilling patties before grilling helps maintain shape, prevents breakage, and creates a firmer burger that’s easier to handle.
  • Fat Content Boost: Grating frozen butter into the chicken mixture adds richness, juiciness, and helps prevent dry burgers during grilling.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Adding liquid smoke deepens the grilled taste, mimicking traditional barbecue smokiness even if cooking conditions vary.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star