Description
These Caesar Chicken Smash Tacos combine the savory flavors of seasoned ground chicken cooked directly on tortillas with a fresh Caesar salad topping and crunchy toasted panko breadcrumbs, making for a quick, delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Tortillas and Chicken
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Toppings
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts or 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken on tortillas: Divide the ground chicken into 8 equal portions and press each portion into a thin, even layer on one side of each flour tortilla, spreading the chicken close to the edges.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken on each tortilla with smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper evenly to add flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
- Cook the chicken side: Place the tortillas chicken side down in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Cook the tortilla side: Flip the tortillas over and cook the tortilla side for about 30 seconds until it becomes lightly crisp, then remove from the pan.
- Toast the panko breadcrumbs: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and toast the panko breadcrumbs, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown and crunchy.
- Prepare the Caesar salad topping: Toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing to evenly coat the greens.
- Assemble the tacos: Top each chicken-covered tortilla with the dressed Caesar salad, sprinkle with toasted panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, then fold the tortillas and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Pressing the chicken thin ensures it cooks quickly and evenly on the tortilla.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the chicken or tortilla.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- The recipe yields 8 tacos, perfect for a group or meal prep.
- Serve with lime wedges or hot sauce for added flavor if desired.
