These Caesar chicken smash tacos are crispy, juicy, and ready in minutes. Ground chicken is pressed onto the tortillas and cooked until golden, then finished with romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing. It is an easy dinner that somehow feels special every time.
Why this smash taco method works
I first came across Caesar chicken smash tacos on TikTok and Instagram and knew I had to try them. After making them many times, I started tweaking the seasoning and method until they became something I genuinely love cooking at home. The technique reminded me a lot of my Arayes recipe, where the meat is pressed directly onto the bread, and for good reason. Cooking the chicken right on the tortilla keeps it juicy while the outside turns golden and crisp every single time.
For the topping, I usually make my Caesar dressing from scratch and use ready-made mayo. That said, a good store-bought Caesar dressing works just fine here, too. The cold, crunchy romaine with Parmesan on top of the hot chicken taco is what really brings everything together and makes this recipe one I keep coming back to.
Ingredient Notes
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Ground chicken: I use lean ground chicken so the tacos stay juicy without excess grease. If your chicken is very lean, a little extra oil in the pan helps with browning.
- Tortillas: Medium-flour tortillas work best because they are flexible and sturdy enough to hold the chicken. Very thin tortillas can tear once the meat is pressed on. You can also use 50/50 corn and wheat tortillas here.
- Seasoning: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper keep the chicken flavorful without overpowering the Caesar topping. Season generously since the chicken is spread thin.
- Romaine lettuce: Fresh, crisp romaine is important here. Chop it finely so it sits nicely on the tacos and does not fall off when eating.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts slightly from the heat of the taco and adds a salty bite. Pre grated works if that is what you have.
- Caesar dressing: I often make my own Caesar dressing at home. A good store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly, too.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Toasted panko adds crunch and texture. Make sure to toast it until golden, so it stays crisp on top of the tacos. If you happen to have croutons, you can use them instead.
Storing and reheating
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken tacos without the lettuce topping. Keep the chicken and tortillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and store the romaine mixture separately to keep it crisp.
To reheat, place the tacos in the air fryer at 350°F (180 °C) for a few minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and lightly crisp again. Add the Caesar topping after reheating, just before serving.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Caesar Chicken Smash Tacos
Equipment
- Large nonstick or cast iron skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 1 pound (450 g) ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ cup (30 g) panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts or 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese finely grated
Instructions
- Divide the ground chicken into 8 equal portions and press a thin, even layer onto one side of each tortilla, spreading close to the edges.
- Season the chicken directly on the tortillas with smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium to medium high heat until hot, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Place the tortillas chicken side down in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and well browned.
- Flip and cook the tortilla side for about 30 seconds until lightly crisp, then remove from the pan.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and toast the panko breadcrumbs, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
- Toss the romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing.
- Top the chicken taco with Caesar salad, then finish with toasted breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. Fold and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Press the chicken to about ¼ inch thick for even cooking and better browning.
- The oil should shimmer before adding the tortillas.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
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