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+ servings

California Grilled Chicken Caesar Burger

A juicy grilled chicken Caesar burger with parmesan, romaine, and homemade dressing. All the classic salad flavors in one unforgettable patty.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Grilling, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Burgers
  • 1/4 cup finely grated white onion excess moisture squeezed out
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter grated, from fridge or frozen
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest preferably from a Meyer lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
Toppings & Assembly
  • 4 hamburger buns your choice, split
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened, for grilling buns
  • 4 leaves romaine lettuce washed and dried
  • to taste homemade Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 1/4 cup crushed croutons preferably sourdough

Method
 

Prepare the Onion and Butter
  1. Set a box grater over a few layers of paper towel. Grate the white onion onto the paper towel, then gather the towel and gently squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the grated onion to a large bowl.
  2. Using the same grater, grate the cold butter directly into the bowl with the onion.
Make the Burger Mixture
  1. Add the ground chicken, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — do not overwork.
Form and Chill the Patties
  1. Line a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Press a shallow indent into the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
  2. Place the patties in the freezer for 20 minutes. This firms them up so they hold their shape on the grill.
Grill the Burgers
  1. Clean the grill grates and preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  2. Place the chilled patties directly over the heat, close the lid, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. During the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with a slice of provolone cheese and close the lid to melt. Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Toast the Buns (Optional)
  1. While the burgers rest, butter the cut sides of the buns. Place them butter-side down on the grill grates for 30 to 60 seconds, until lightly toasted with grill marks. Remove carefully.
Assemble the Burgers
  1. On each bottom bun, layer a lettuce leaf, a drizzle of Caesar dressing, the grilled chicken patty, more dressing, a few slices of red onion, an extra lettuce leaf, a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, and a handful of crushed croutons. Cap with the top bun.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

For best results, use cold or frozen butter when grating — it incorporates into the patty without melting. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter, dairy-free Parmesan, and a dairy-free Caesar dressing. To make ahead, shape the patties and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. For freezing, stack patties between parchment squares, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Don't skip the 20-minute freeze — it keeps the patties from falling apart on the grill. Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on bun choice and toppings used. For a gluten-free option, serve on a gluten-free bun and use gluten-free croutons or omit them.

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