It is 6pm and you are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast but you want something fresh and filling.
These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos are the perfect solution for a busy summer evening. They combine a crispy, golden chicken base with a bright, crunchy salad on top.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total game changer for your weekly routine. It takes the trendy smash burger method and makes it lean and high-protein.
You will love how the chicken develops a savory golden crust directly on the tortilla. It is a fun, hands-on meal that kids and adults both enjoy.
This dish is perfect for a healthy reset after a long weekend. You get all the comfort of a taco with the lightness of a fresh Caesar salad.
Simple Method
Do not worry if you have never tried a smash-style recipe before. This method is incredibly beginner-friendly and very hard to mess up.
You simply press the meat onto the tortilla and let the heat do the work. Using a heavy spatula makes it quick and easy to get that perfect sear.
Ingredients You Will Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen. We use simple pantry staples to create big flavor.
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely shredded
- 0.5 cup high-protein Caesar dressing
- 0.25 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup sourdough croutons, crushed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.
- Divide the seasoned chicken into 8 equal-sized balls (approximately 2 ounces each).
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Place 2-3 chicken balls on the skillet, leaving ample space between them.
- Place a tortilla directly on top of each chicken ball.
- Using a heavy burger press or large spatula, press down firmly on the tortilla until the chicken is flattened into a thin layer reaching the edges of the tortilla.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving, until the chicken is fully cooked and develops a golden-brown crust.
- Flip the taco and cook on the tortilla side for 30 seconds to crisp slightly, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until coated.
- Top each hot chicken taco with the dressed romaine, shaved parmesan, and crushed croutons before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these tacos while the chicken is still warm and juicy. The contrast between the hot chicken and cold salad is wonderful.
Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or sweet potato fries. They also go great with a chilled glass of lemonade on a sunny patio.
If you are serving a crowd, put the toppings in bowls. Let everyone build their own tacos at the table for a fun family dinner.
Keep It Fresh
These tacos are best enjoyed immediately for the best texture. However, you can store the cooked chicken tacos in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep the salad and dressing separate until you are ready to eat. Reheat the chicken and tortilla in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to keep it crispy.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a heavy spatula to press the chicken as thin as possible.
- Do not skip the 30-second flip to crisp the tortilla side.
- Swap ground chicken for ground turkey if that is what you have.
- Prep the chicken balls in advance to save time on busy nights.
- Use a high-protein dressing to keep this meal extra filling.
- Crush the croutons finely so they stay on the taco easily.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Spicy Caesar: Add a dash of hot sauce to your dressing.
- Low Carb: Use small low-carb tortillas instead of regular flour ones.
- Extra Veggie: Add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes to the salad.
- Southwest Twist: Use lime juice and cilantro in your dressing instead.
Common Questions
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes, but corn tortillas can be more fragile. Flour tortillas are more flexible and durable for the smashing process.
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Because the chicken is smashed very thin, it cooks very quickly. Three to four minutes on medium-high heat is usually perfect.
I hope these Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos become a new favorite in your home. They make weeknight cooking feel so much more exciting and delicious. Enjoy every crispy bite!
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely shredded
- 0.5 cup high -protein Caesar dressing
- 0.25 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup sourdough croutons, crushed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.
- Divide the seasoned chicken into 8 equal-sized balls (approximately 2 ounces each).
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Place 2-3 chicken balls on the skillet, leaving ample space between them.
- Place a tortilla directly on top of each chicken ball.
- Using a heavy burger press or large spatula, press down firmly on the tortilla until the chicken is flattened into a thin layer reaching the edges of the tortilla.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving, until the chicken is fully cooked and develops a golden-brown crust.
- Flip the taco and cook on the tortilla side for 30 seconds to crisp slightly, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until coated.
- Top each hot chicken taco with the dressed romaine, shaved parmesan, and crushed croutons before serving.
