Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos combine the crispiness of pan-seared ground chicken with the fresh flavors of Caesar salad. Quick to prepare and bursting with savory goodness, they make a perfect weeknight dinner or casual gathering treat.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground chicken
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 1/3 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp bacon bits

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the ground chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned chicken on the back side of each tortilla, pressing it down firmly to adhere.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little avocado oil. Place the tortillas chicken side down in the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Flip the tortillas and crisp the other side for an additional minute.
4. Step 4: Chop the romaine lettuce and top each cooked tortilla with a generous amount. Drizzle with Caesar dressing, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and bacon bits.
5. Step 5: Fold the tacos in half and serve immediately for a crispy, flavorful bite.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, cook the tortillas a little longer on the second side but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Swap bacon bits for crispy pancetta or omit for a vegetarian Caesar version using seasoned sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken.
• Use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free alternative.
• To save time, toss the romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and Parmesan in advance, then add fresh bacon bits right before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken-topped tortillas in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid adding fresh toppings before storing to keep them fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or lean ground beef can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.

How can I make these tacos vegetarian?

Replace the ground chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute, seasoned similarly, for a tasty vegetarian option.

Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos offer a crispy, flavorful twist on traditional tacos by pan-frying ground chicken pressed onto tortillas and topping them with fresh romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy bacon bits. Quick and easy to make, they combine the best of taco night with the classic flavors of a Caesar salad for a deliciously satisfying meal.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 500 g ground chicken
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tacos

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1/3 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp bacon bits
• Avocado oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the ground chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined, seasoning to taste.
2. Assemble the tacos: Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned ground chicken on the back side of each flour tortilla, pressing it down firmly to ensure it adheres well.
3. Cook the chicken on the tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little avocado oil. Place the tortillas chicken side down onto the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Flip each tortilla and crisp the other side briefly.
4. Add the toppings: Remove the tortillas from the skillet. Top each with shredded romaine lettuce, drizzle with Caesar dressing, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and finish with crispy bacon bits. For a tossed salad option, coat the romaine with Caesar dressing before topping.
5. Serve: Fold the tacos in half and enjoy immediately for the best crispy chicken taco experience packed with Caesar salad flavors.

Notes

• Use fresh ground chicken for the best texture and flavor.
• You can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred, but flour tortillas provide the best crispiness in this recipe.
• The bacon bits add a nice crunch; feel free to use freshly cooked crispy bacon chopped instead.
• For a lower fat option, choose a light Caesar dressing or reduce the cheese.
• Avocado oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but any cooking oil suitable for medium-high heat can be used.
• Ensure the chicken layer is thin to cook thoroughly and crisp properly without overcooking the tortilla.

Keywords: chicken tacos, Caesar salad tacos, ground chicken recipe, crispy chicken tacos, easy tacos