Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos combine the savory flavors of seasoned ground chicken with crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing. Quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal, they bring a fresh twist to classic tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 taco shells or tortillas
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the ground chicken with salt and pepper, then press a portion firmly onto each tortilla or taco shell, forming a thin layer.
- Step 2: Place the tortillas chicken-side down in a hot skillet over medium heat. Cook until the chicken is crispy and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Flip the tacos briefly to warm the tortilla side, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and top each taco with chopped romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the ground chicken before cooking.
- Swap romaine for kale or spinach for a different green but similar crunch.
- Use homemade Caesar dressing or a creamy ranch as a variation.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken and taco shells separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet before assembling to maintain crispiness. Avoid assembling tacos ahead of time to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a similar texture and mild flavor.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture or serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for extra heat.
PrintSmash Chicken Caesar Tacos Recipe
This Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional tacos by using seasoned ground chicken pressed directly onto tortillas and cooked until crispy. Topped with fresh romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, these tacos deliver a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Tacos
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 6 taco shells or tortillas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Toppings
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing
Instructions
- Season and prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix the ground chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined for enhanced flavor.
- Press chicken onto tortillas: Divide the seasoned ground chicken evenly and press each portion firmly onto one side of each taco shell or tortilla, forming a thin layer of chicken in direct contact with the tortilla.
- Cook chicken side down: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken-side-down tacos in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked through.
- Flip to warm tortilla: Carefully flip the tacos and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm the tortilla without overcooking the chicken.
- Add toppings: Remove tacos from the skillet and top each with shredded romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos hot for the best crispy texture and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use ground chicken breast for a leaner option or ground dark meat for more flavor.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
- Soft corn tortillas or flour tortillas can be used based on personal preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan and Caesar dressing with vegan alternatives.
- Double the recipe for larger crowds or meal prepping.
Keywords: smash chicken tacos, chicken tacos, Caesar tacos, crispy chicken tacos, quick chicken tacos
