Chicken Caesar Smash Burger

Name: Chicken Caesar Smash Burger with Homemade Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for salad; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp neutral oil, for cooking; 4 slices provolone cheese; 2 brioche buns; 2 tbsp butter; 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup croutons, crushed

This Chicken Caesar Smash Burger transforms the classic Caesar salad into a handheld burger, featuring seasoned ground chicken patties smashed thin, topped with provolone cheese, crisp romaine, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing on toasted brioche.

🌍American 🏷️Chicken burger 🏷️Smash burger 🏷️Caesar salad 🏷️Burger Sandwich

🏷️

🏷️Ground chicken

-0:00

moribyanonTikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$34–$56

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by moribyan

-0:00

moribyanonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for salad
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp neutral oil, for cooking
4 slices provolone cheese
2 brioche buns
2 tbsp butter
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup croutons, crushed

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, panko breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until just combined.
2
Divide the chicken mixture into four equal-sized balls.
3
To make the Caesar dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken balls in the hot skillet, leaving space between them.
5
Using a piece of parchment paper and a spatula, smash each chicken ball into a thin patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6
Flip the patties and top each with a slice of provolone cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted.
7
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Place the brioche buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown.
8
In a bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, crushed croutons, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Pour over some of the Caesar dressing and toss to coat.
9
To assemble, place two chicken patties on the bottom toasted bun. Top with a generous amount of the Caesar salad mixture, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately with extra dressing for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Press patties thin (1/4-inch) with the back of a spatula immediately after placing in the hot skillet for maximum browning and even cooking.
Toast the brioche buns cut-side down in a dry skillet or on a flat-top for 1-2 minutes until golden—this prevents sogginess from dressing and toppings.
Season the ground chicken mixture thoroughly before cooking; ground poultry benefits from salt and spice worked through the entire patty.
Add provolone to the patty during the last 30 seconds of cooking and cover the pan briefly to melt it evenly without overcooking the meat.

Substitutions

Ground chicken → ground turkey (similar cook time and texture)
Provolone → mozzarella or Swiss cheese (milder flavor options)
Romaine → mixed greens or arugula (texture and peppery note variation)
Brioche bun → ciabatta or pretzel bun (firmer structure if patties are very juicy)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side. Store dressing separately for up to 5 days.

Common Questions

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing instead of making it homemade?

Yes, though homemade dressing delivers better flavor. If using store-bought, reduce the mayo and mustard in the recipe to avoid overseasoning the patty.

How thin should I smash the chicken patties?

Press until about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and better surface contact with the skillet for browning.

What temperature should the chicken reach?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, form patties up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray until ready to cook.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Cook patties and store separately from dressing and toppings for up to 3 days. Assemble burgers just before serving to keep brioche from getting soggy.