Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos

Let me share a little secret from my kitchen: these Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos are pure magic for a fun, flavorful twist on taco night. They’re my go-to when I’m craving the creamy, garlicky goodness of a Caesar salad but want it in a crispy, handheld form. Inspired by the viral smash taco trend and a love for Caesar dressing, I created this quick recipe that’s become a weeknight favorite. Juicy ground chicken smashed onto tortillas, fried to golden perfection, and topped with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing—it’s a crowd-pleaser ready in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

• Tacos:
  • Ground Chicken: 1 pound (450g), for juicy protein.
  • Corn Tortillas: 8 small (6-inch), for crispy base (flour tortillas optional).
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for savory flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon, for smoky depth.
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon, for seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, for seasoning.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying.
• Caesar Salad Topping:
  • Romaine Lettuce: 2 cups (100g), shredded, for crunch.
  • Caesar Dressing: ½ cup (120ml), store-bought or homemade, for creamy tang.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25g), shaved or grated, for umami.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, for brightness.
  • Bacon: 4 strips, cooked and crumbled, for smoky crunch (optional).
• Optional Add-Ins: Crushed croutons, crispy onions, or red pepper flakes for extra texture and heat.
• Optional Side: French fries, roasted veggies, or extra Caesar salad.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Shred romaine lettuce, cook and crumble bacon (if using), shave or grate Parmesan, and measure spices and dressing. Pat tortillas dry if using corn to ensure crispiness.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until evenly seasoned. Divide into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each) and roll into balls.
3. Prepare the Caesar Salad: In a medium bowl, toss shredded romaine with lemon juice and ¼ cup Caesar dressing until coated. Set aside.
4. Smash and Cook Tacos: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a chicken ball on a tortilla and flatten it with a spatula or burger press to cover the tortilla in a thin, even layer. Place tortilla chicken-side down in the skillet, pressing firmly to “smash” it. Cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Flip and cook tortilla side for 1 minute to crisp. Repeat with remaining tortillas, adding oil as needed.
5. Assemble Tacos: Place cooked tacos on a plate. Top each with a portion of Caesar salad, a drizzle of remaining Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, and crumbled bacon (if using). Sprinkle with optional croutons, crispy onions, or red pepper flakes.
6. Serve: Serve immediately while warm and crispy, with lemon wedges and extra dressing on the side. Pair with fries, roasted veggies, or more Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

These tacos are a lighter yet satisfying meal with protein from chicken, fats from dressing, and carbs from tortillas. Pair with veggies for balance.

• Servings: 4 (2 tacos each)
• Calories per serving: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 5-7g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Sodium: 800-1000mg (varies with dressing)

Preparation Time

These tacos are quick to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun Taco Tuesday.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Weeknight Dinner: Serve with fries for a quick, kid-friendly meal.
• Taco Night: Set up a toppings bar with extra dressing, croutons, and bacon.
• Meal Prep: Store chicken and salad separately; reheat tacos in a skillet for crispiness.
• Party Food: Make mini versions with smaller tortillas for appetizers.
• Light Lunch: Pair with a side salad for a fresh, balanced plate.

Additional Tips

• Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken is spread thinly for even cooking; cook to 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking.
• Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas crisp well but can break; flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Use what you prefer.
• Caesar Dressing: Store-bought saves time, but for homemade, blend ½ cup mayo, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3 days; store chicken and salad separately to keep tortillas crispy. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Customization: Add crispy chickpeas, crushed croutons, or a fried egg for extra texture and flavor.

Budgeting the Recipe

This recipe is budget-friendly, with ground chicken and tortillas as affordable staples. Use store-brand dressing and cheese to save more. The recipe serves four, costing roughly $2-3 per serving, ideal for a quick, delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey?

A: Yes, ground turkey works well but may be slightly drier; add 1 teaspoon oil to the mix.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?

A: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure dressing is gluten-free.

Q: Why are my tacos soggy?

A: Overcrowding the pan or too much dressing can cause this. Cook in batches and add dressing just before serving.

Q: Can I prep ahead?

A: Season chicken and prep salad up to 24 hours ahead, but cook tacos fresh for crispiness.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the chicken or topping.

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