Description

These Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos are a delicious fusion of classic Caesar salad flavors wrapped in crispy, golden tortillas filled with seasoned ground chicken. Quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal, these tacos combine juicy chicken, fresh romaine tossed in Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons for an irresistible texture contrast.

Ingredients

Chicken Mixture

1 lb. ground chicken
1 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

2 tsp. vegetable oil (or more as needed)
8 (6″) flour tortillas

Caesar Salad Topping

4 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce (about 6 oz.)
4 tsp. Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade), 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

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken with kosher salt and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until the mixture becomes tacky and holds together well. Divide into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a ball of about 2 ounces.
Assemble the Tacos: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Place one portion of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread the chicken into an even layer, leaving approximately a 1/4-inch border around the edges of the tortilla.
Cook the Tacos: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place one taco, chicken side down, into the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through on the bottom. Flip the taco carefully and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until the tortilla is lightly browned. Note that the tortilla may inflate slightly during cooking but will deflate as it cools. Transfer the cooked taco to a plate or baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tacos, adding more oil as necessary before each batch.
Prepare the Caesar Salad: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing. Add shredded Parmesan and a few grinds of black pepper, then toss again to evenly coat the salad.
Assemble and Serve: Drizzle each cooked taco with additional Caesar dressing. Top with a small mound of the prepared Caesar salad, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, add croutons, and finish with a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps.
Use homemade Caesar dressing to control ingredients and add a fresher flavor.
Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
For added spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the chicken mixture before cooking.
To make this recipe dairy-free, omit Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American