Description
These easy Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos are a quick and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground chicken cooked in a skillet with fresh Caesar salad ingredients. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, these tacos feature savory, crispy chicken layered in warm flour tortillas, topped with crisp romaine, Parmesan, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken & Tacos
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 (6") flour tortillas
- 2 tsp. (or more) vegetable oil
Salad & Toppings
- 4 cups coarsely chopped romaine (about 6 oz.)
- 4 tsp. store-bought or homemade Caesar salad dressing, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1/4 cup), plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken with kosher salt and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until the mixture becomes tacky and easy to handle. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, each about 2 ounces, and shape each into a ball.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Place one portion of chicken ball in the center of each tortilla. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, gently spread the chicken into an even, thin layer, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edge of the tortilla.
- Cook the Tacos: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place one taco in the skillet with the chicken side down. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked on the bottom, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the taco carefully and cook the tortilla side until lightly browned, about 30 seconds. Don’t worry if the tortilla puffs up slightly; it will deflate when cooled. Remove the cooked taco to a plate or baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tacos, adding more oil as needed before each batch.
- Prepare the Caesar Salad Topping: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with 4 teaspoons of Caesar dressing. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and a few grinds of black pepper, then mix everything evenly to combine.
- Serve the Tacos: Drizzle each cooked taco with additional Caesar dressing. Top the tacos with a generous portion of the prepared Caesar salad mixture, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, add croutons, and finish with a few extra grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- Use homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher taste or choose your favorite store-bought version.
- Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad for added brightness.
- You can swap vegetable oil for olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier taco, add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the ground chicken mixture.