Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
