Chicken Caesar Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Familiar yet new: Combines the classic Caesar salad flavors with the deliciousness of a burger.

• Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

• Crispy & juicy: The Parmesan crust ensures a satisfying crunch, while the chicken patty stays juicy inside.

• Customizable: Can easily be made with ground turkey or a different salad dressing if needed.

• Flavor-packed: The Caesar dressing, garlic, and Parmesan cheese create a savory, irresistible taste.

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. Prepare the croutons: Place the croutons in a food processor. Pulse a few times, then blend for 20-30 seconds until they form a coarse crumb.

2. Mix the patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ⅓ cup of the croutons (reserve the rest for the romaine slaw), 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties, about 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. If the mixture is sticky, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Coat the patties in Parmesan: Pour the remaining Parmesan cheese into a shallow bowl or plate. Press both sides of each patty into the Parmesan to form a crust.

4. Cook the patties: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Prepare the slaw: In a medium bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Caesar dressing, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and the reserved ground croutons.

6. Assemble and serve: Place each cooked patty on a toasted hamburger bun. Top with a generous scoop of the dressed romaine, a squeeze of lemon juice, and more Caesar dressing, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Ground turkey: Swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey for a leaner option.

• Vegetarian option: Use a vegetarian patty or plant-based chicken substitute for a meatless version.

• Add bacon: For extra flavor, top each burger with crispy bacon.

• Alternative dressing: If you prefer, you can try using ranch or blue cheese dressing instead of Caesar.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free croutons and buns for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the slaw separate to avoid sogginess.

• Reheating: To preserve the crispy Parmesan crust, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Alternatively, place them under the broiler for a minute or two.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.

How do I prevent the chicken patties from being too sticky?

Spray your hands with cooking spray when shaping the patties, which helps reduce stickiness and makes it easier to form them.

Can I use store-bought croutons?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use regular-flavored croutons, avoiding overly garlicky or salty ones since the Caesar dressing already adds plenty of flavor.

Can I freeze these patties?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container for long-term storage. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

How can I make the slaw more flavorful?

Feel free to add extra ingredients to the slaw, such as grated Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to keep it separate from the dressing to avoid sogginess.

What’s the best way to toast hamburger buns?

Toast the buns in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Can I make this with store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, store-bought Caesar dressing works just fine. For the best flavor, though, fresh, homemade dressing is always an option if you have the time.

Can I serve this with a side dish?

These Chicken Caesar Burgers go great with crispy fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

It’s best to use freshly grated Parmesan for this recipe, as it melts and crisps up better than the pre-shredded kind, which contains anti-caking agents.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Burgers are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy the classic Caesar salad in burger form. With crispy Parmesan crusted chicken patties and a tangy Caesar slaw, this meal is both satisfying and easy to make in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these burgers are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table

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