Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos are a fresh and flavorful twist on classic tacos, combining tender ground chicken with a crisp Caesar salad topping. These easy-to-make tacos bring together savory, creamy, and crunchy textures for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 flour tortillas (fajita size)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Romaine hearts
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (shaved)
• 2/3 cup creamy Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 Tablespoon salted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Romaine hearts with the shaved parmesan and creamy Caesar dressing. Set this salad mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Divide the ground chicken mixture evenly and spread it onto each flour tortilla, pressing it almost to the edges.
4. Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Step 5: Place the tortillas, meat side down, in the hot skillet. Grill for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Flip the tortillas and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Step 6: While the tortillas cook, melt the salted butter in a small pan and toast the panko breadcrumbs until golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Assemble each taco by adding a generous scoop of the Caesar salad on top of the cooked chicken, then sprinkle with the toasted panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the assembled tacos before serving.
• Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Add sliced cherry tomatoes or avocado for a fresh, colorful twist.
• To make the toasted panko breadcrumbs, stir them in melted butter and toast in a pan for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling tacos again. To keep the tortillas from becoming soggy, assemble tacos just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for these tacos?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience. Just season and warm it before spreading on the tortillas.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Keep the chicken and salad separate until just before serving, and avoid overfilling the tacos to maintain a good texture balance.

Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

These Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos bring a creative twist to classic tacos by combining flavorful seasoned ground chicken grilled directly on tortillas with a fresh Caesar salad topping. Crisp romaine, creamy parmesan, and Caesar dressing enhance the savory chicken, while toasted panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, making for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 8 flour tortillas (fajita size)

For the Caesar Salad Topping:

• 2 Romaine hearts
• 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (shaved)
• 2/3 cup creamy Caesar dressing

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tablespoon salted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the seasoned chicken: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
2. Make the Caesar salad topping: In a separate bowl, chop the Romaine hearts and combine with shaved parmesan and creamy Caesar dressing. Set aside to allow flavors to meld slightly.
3. Spread chicken on tortillas: Evenly divide the seasoned ground chicken among the eight tortillas, spreading it almost to the edges to form a thin layer.
4. Heat the skillet and oil: Warm 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
5. Grill the chicken-topped tortillas: Place the tortillas meat-side down on the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust. Flip carefully and grill the other side for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Toast the panko crumbs: In a small pan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy. Remove from heat.
7. Assemble the tacos: Place the grilled chicken-topped tortillas on plates. Spoon a generous amount of Caesar salad atop each tortilla. Sprinkle with the toasted panko crumbs for added texture and serve immediately.

Notes

• For crispier chicken, use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of the Caesar dressing and parmesan.
• If preferred, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
• These tacos are best enjoyed fresh as the tortillas can become soggy if stored with the toppings.
• To make this recipe lower in fat, consider using a light Caesar dressing and lean ground chicken breast.

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos, ground chicken tacos, Caesar salad tacos, easy chicken tacos, skillet chicken tacos