Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and juicy ground chicken patties made right in the pan.
• Fresh and creamy Caesar salad topping for a cool contrast.
• Quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, with familiar flavors in taco form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1. 500 g ground chicken
2. 2 tsp garlic powder
3. Salt and black pepper, to taste
4. 8 small flour tortillas
5. ½ head romaine lettuce, chopped
6. ⅓ cup Caesar dressing
7. ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form and smash: Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a loose ball, then place on a hot, lightly oiled skillet. Use a spatula to press down into a thin patty.
3. Cook the patties: Cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165 °F / 74 °C).
4. Warm the tortillas: While patties cook, heat tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable.
5. Prepare the salad: In a bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing until coated.
6. Assemble the tacos: Place a cooked chicken patty on each tortilla. Top with dressed romaine and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately, while warm and fresh.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 8 tacos (about 4 servings).
• Prep time: 10 minutes.
• Cook time: 12–15 minutes.
• Total time: 22–25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooked chicken patties and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm chicken patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through; assemble tacos fresh to keep lettuce crisp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to finely chop or grind it for the patties.

How do I get crispy edges on the patties?

Make sure your pan is hot and don’t move the patties while they sear.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Yes, just warm them well so they’re pliable and less likely to tear.

Is Caesar dressing safe with raw egg?

Many store-bought versions are pasteurized; if making homemade, use pasteurized eggs.

Can I make these spicier?

Add chili flakes or cayenne to the chicken mix, or drizzle with hot sauce.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, shape and season patties ahead, then cook fresh when ready to serve.

What’s the best lettuce for these tacos?

Romaine works best for crunch and freshness, but iceberg is a good substitute.

Can I grill the patties instead?

Yes, use a flat grill surface to keep them from falling apart.

What cheese works if I don’t have parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago will give a similar salty, sharp flavor.

Can I make them low-carb?

Serve the patties and Caesar salad in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Conclusion

Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos combine the crispy, savory goodness of seared chicken patties with the cool crunch of Caesar salad, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. They’re quick, satisfying, and easy to customize, making them a fresh weeknight dinner option that everyone will love.

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