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Crispy Chicken Caesar Burger The Double Dredged, Caesar Dressed, Parmesan Topped Chicken Burger

There are chicken burgers that are fine. Adequately crispy, adequately seasoned, served with standard toppings that are pleasant enough and forgotten by the time you have finished eating.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • For the Crispy Chicken:
  • 260 g chicken breast approximately 1 large whole breast, cut into 3 portions
  • 200 ml marinade: ½ cup whole milk + ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and roasted chicken seasoning to taste
  • Neutral oil for frying vegetable or canola oil, enough for 2.5 inches depth
  • For the Flour Dredge:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and roasted chicken seasoning to taste (same blend as chicken marinade)
  • For the Caesar Dressing:
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise Hellmann's or Duke's
  • teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • Juice of ½ fresh lemon approximately 1.5 tablespoons
  • Salt black pepper, and garlic powder to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
  • Extra virgin olive oil optional drizzle for richness
  • 1 oz 30g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the Caesar Salad Insert:
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce washed and roughly chopped (approximately 3 cups)
  • Extra shaved Parmesan for layering
  • For Assembly:
  • 3 burger buns homemade or good quality store-bought, toasted

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a medium bowl, combine whole milk and sweetened condensed milk in equal parts (½ cup each) to make 200ml total
  • Add soy sauce and stir to combine
  • Season chicken breast portions on all sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and roasted chicken seasoning
  • Submerge seasoned chicken completely in marinade
  • Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight strongly recommended for best results)
  • Make the Caesar Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until completely smooth
  • Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lemon for brightness, more salt if flat, or more Parmesan for depth)
  • Add small drizzle of olive oil if desired for extra richness
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble
  • Prepare the Flour Dredge:
  • In a wide, shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch
  • Add same seasoning used for chicken: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and roasted chicken seasoning
  • Mix thoroughly until seasonings are evenly distributed through flour
  • Double Dredge the Chicken:
  • Remove one piece of chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip back into bowl (do not shake off completely)
  • Press chicken firmly into seasoned flour dredge, covering every surface (press firmly, don't just dust)
  • Dip dredged chicken briefly back into remaining marinade (just a quick dip to re-wet surface)
  • Press firmly into flour dredge a second time on all sides to build thick, textured, uneven crust with visible clumps and ridges
  • Set on a plate and repeat with remaining chicken pieces
  • Fry the Chicken:
  • Pour neutral oil into deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to achieve at least 2.5 inches depth
  • Heat over medium-high heat to 345-355°F (175-180°C) - use thermometer for accuracy
  • Carefully lower one piece of double-dredged chicken into hot oil
  • Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning once or twice, until deeply golden brown on all sides
  • Check internal temperature reaches 165°F with instant-read thermometer
  • Remove with tongs and drain on wire rack or paper towel-lined plate
  • Allow oil to return to temperature between batches
  • Repeat with remaining chicken pieces
  • Dress the Caesar Salad:
  • In a large bowl, toss roughly chopped romaine lettuce with generous amount of Caesar dressing (enough to coat every piece without drowning)
  • Shave extra Parmesan over dressed salad using vegetable peeler for thin, elegant shavings
  • Toast the Buns:
  • Slice burger buns in half
  • Place cut-side down in dry skillet over medium heat or under broiler for 1-2 minutes
  • Toast until cut surfaces are lightly golden and slightly crisped
  • Watch closely if using broiler (buns burn quickly)
  • Assemble and Serve:
  • Spread generous, thick layer of Caesar dressing directly onto cut surface of bottom bun
  • Place hot, crispy chicken patty on top
  • Add generous handful of dressed Caesar salad on top of chicken
  • Add extra shaved Parmesan over salad
  • Press top bun firmly down
  • Serve immediately while chicken is still at peak crunchiness and salad is crisp and fresh