Easy Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos

These Easy Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos are the ultimate fusion of a crispy, pan-seared taco and a fresh, creamy salad. If you are looking for a quick 20-minute weeknight dinner or a viral-inspired twist on traditional tacos, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Combining juicy ground chicken with the irresistible crunch of Caesar croutons and parmesan crisps, these tacos offer a unique flavor profile that is both savory and refreshing.

Why You'll Want to Make Easy Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos

• Speedy Weeknight Meal: It goes from prep to table in about 40 minutes, with only 20 minutes of active cooking time.

• Low-Calorie Option: At just 382 kcal per serving, it's a lighter alternative to traditional heavy taco recipes.

• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it's for Cinco de Mayo, a Game Day snack, or a casual dinner party, these tacos are easy to scale up for a crowd.

• Family Friendly: The combination of familiar Caesar salad flavors with a fun "smashed" taco format makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Easy Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos

Steps to Make Easy Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos

1. Place ground chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and Kosher salt in a large bowl.

2. Put on a pair of vinyl gloves and work the herbs and spices into the meat until they are well combined.

3. Cover the top of a kitchen scale with plastic wrap. Divided the meat into eight 2-ounce portions.

4. Roll the meat into balls and place on a wax paper-lined pan.

5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add about a teaspoon of olive oil. Place one ball of meat in the center of the heated pan. Then, immediately cover with a 6-inch flour tortilla.

6. Use a burger press to smash the chicken meat flat with the tortilla and cook for three to four minutes.

7. Flip the smashed taco over and cook for an additional minute. Then, use a pair of silicone tongs to fold the taco in half while it's still in the pan.

8. Place the folded taco in a taco holder stand or on a wire cooling rack, if you don't have a taco holder stand. Repeat steps five through seven with the remaining balls of chicken meat and tortillas.

9. Place the romaine lettuce in a large bowl with a lid (I used a Rubbermaid Take Alongs large serving bowl). Then, add the Caesar dressing, place the lid on the bowl, and shake the container to evenly coat the lettuce with the dressing.

10. Add the Caesar croutons and parmesan crisps. Place the lid back on the bowl and shake it to coat the croutons and crisps with the dressing.

11. Use a pair of tongs to fill each taco with the romaine mixture.

12. Sprinkle the tops of the Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos with shaved parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.

Whether you're looking to shake up your standard Taco Tuesday or need a reliable 20-minute dinner recipe for a hectic weeknight, these Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos deliver gourmet flavor with minimal effort. By combining the crispy texture of a seared tortilla with the fresh, tangy bite of a classic Caesar, you create a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet remains a healthy, low-calorie choice. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• The Best Smash: Use a dedicated burger press for even flattening; this ensures the chicken cooks through quickly and stays attached to the tortilla

• Avoid Soggy Tacos: Fold your tacos while they are still in the hot pan using silicone tongs to help them hold their shape without cracking.

• Cooling Rack Hack: If you don't have a taco holder, place your finished taco shells on a wire cooling rack to keep them upright while you prep the salad.

• Even Coating: Shaking your lettuce in a large lidded container (like a 15-cup bowl) is the most efficient way to coat every leaf with dressing without over-saturating it.