Chicken Caesar Burgers with Parmesan Crisps

Hey there. I have some MAGICAL burgers to share with you today. Seriously. These are a dinnertime game-changer!

When I need to throw all caution to the wind and really indulge, there is nothing that satisfies me as much as a big, juicy pub burger, smothered in cheese and piled with crispy bacon. There's something about a great burger that can help melt all your other troubles away. I love when food can do that!

While these burgers are not quite THAT indulgent, they are jam packed with flavor, super juicy, and completely satisfying. Chicken Caesar Burgers with Parmesan Crisps are here to stay on our weeknight dinner rotation!

You may be wondering why I'm gushing so much over a chicken burger...well, there are a lot of reasons, so let me try to be succinct. First, they are essentially giant, fluffy meatballs. Lots of flavor gets packed right into the ground chicken, starting with creamy Caesar dressing, minced garlic, onion powder, parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, Adding the dressing means we need something to help bind the burger together, and panko breadcrumbs are perfectly light and crisp--they keep our burgers together without weighing them down. The best part though--like, best times infinity--is the homemade parmesan crisps!(!!!!) These are ADDICTING and so simple to make, and it took every ounce of willpower I have to not eat the entire pan before the burgers were ready. They are great for snacking, so definitely make more than you need. 

The final touches are just as important as the major players for this meal. A lightly buttered, grilled whole wheat bun is the perfect place to slather on extra creamy Caesar dressing. Fresh, crisp romaine lettuce is necessary to any and all Caesar salads, so pile some on your burger to lighten it up! We enjoyed these alongside a simple salad, but would a plate of fries or some kettle cooked chips be good too? OH. YEAH.

Here's what you need for Chicken Caesar Burgers with Parmesan Crisps* (Print Recipe!)

for the burgers
1 pound lean ground chicken
2 tablespoons creamy Caesar dressing, plus more for buns
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
4 whole wheat burger buns
4 leaves romaine lettuce

for the parmesan crisps
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
cracked black pepper to taste

Here's what you do

for the burgers
Combine the chicken, dressing, bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to best incorporate the ingredients, being careful not to over-mix. Divide the mixture into 4 even portions and form into patties. Use your thumb to create an indent in the top of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

Preheat a grill pan over medium heat and brush with vegetable oil. Cook the burgers for 4 minutes on one side, carefully flip and cook for 3 minutes more or until the burgers are cooked through. Grill burger buns as desired. Prepare the burgers by smearing a bit of the Caesar dressing on one side of each bun, then top with lettuce, a burger, a parmesan crisp and the top of the bun, Enjoy immediately.

to make the parmesan crisps
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper. Place tablespoonfuls of the cheese onto the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently spread out each mound then sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper. Bake for 7 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, Allow to cool and crisp up before serving. Make sure you watch these carefully as they burn quickly!

*Gas Stove Girl Original Recipe