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Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe

These easy chicken Caesar smash tacos bring together juicy seasoned chicken, crunchy romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons for dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet or cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Small bowl for mixing toppings
  • Tongs, optional

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Smash Tacos

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Caesar Topping

  • 3 cups romaine lettuce finely chopped
  • ½ cup Caesar dressing
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup crushed croutons
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Sliced avocado
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Extra Caesar dressing
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

Step 1: Season the Ground Chicken

  • Place the ground chicken in a mixing bowl.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.
  • Mix everything gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Try not to overmix the chicken. Ground meat can become dense when handled too much, and we want the finished chicken layer to stay tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Topping

  • In a separate bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.
  • Toss it with the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and a few spoonfuls of grated Parmesan cheese.
  • I recommend adding just enough dressing to lightly coat the lettuce rather than soaking it. You want the romaine to stay crisp.
  • Set the bowl aside while you cook the tacos.
  • If you are making these ahead of time, wait to dress the lettuce until right before serving.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add a small amount of olive oil and allow the skillet to become hot.
  • A properly heated pan is important here because the chicken needs that direct contact with the surface to develop those delicious golden-brown edges.

Step 4: Smash the Chicken Onto the Tortillas

  • Divide the seasoned ground chicken into eight portions.
  • Place one portion onto a tortilla.
  • Using your hands or the back of a spoon, press the chicken into a thin, even layer that covers most of the tortilla.
  • Do not make the chicken too thick. A thin layer cooks faster and creates more crispy edges.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Cook the Tacos

  • Carefully place one tortilla into the hot skillet with the chicken side facing down.
  • Press it gently with a spatula so the chicken has good contact with the pan.
  • Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken develops a deep golden color and is mostly cooked through.
  • Flip the taco.
  • Cook the tortilla side for another 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
  • Continue with the remaining tacos.
  • Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Step 6: Add the Caesar Toppings

  • Place the cooked tacos on a serving plate.
  • Top each taco with the dressed romaine lettuce.
  • Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
  • Finish with crushed croutons and a little extra black pepper.
  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Caesar dressing if desired.
Keyword Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe