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These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos bring everything you love about a crispy chicken taco and a Caesar salad together in one bite. The tortillas get extra crisp on the outside while juicy seasoned chicken forms the base for garlicky dressing, parmesan, and beef bacon. It is a family favorite that saves dinner on busy weeknights.
I first made these during a last minute dinner rush and now my family asks for them on repeat because they just hit the spot every time. The combo of crispy and creamy is a winner at my house.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: for juicy and fast cooking protein Look for chicken with a mixture of white and dark meat to keep it flavorful
- Garlic powder: brings out savory notes opt for fresh ground if you have it
- Salt and black pepper: key seasonings for the chicken go for freshly cracked pepper for best taste
- Small flour tortillas: crisp up well and hold their shape Pick ones without lots of added sugar or gums
- Romaine lettuce: gives crunch and stays crisp in the taco choose firm bright green leaves
- Caesar dressing: creamy and tangy Pick a brand that lists parmesan and anchovy high up in the ingredients
- Grated parmesan cheese: for extra umami and saltiness Grate fresh for best flavor
- Beef Bacon bits: smoky crunch that wakes up the salad look for real beef bacon over imitation bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl combine the ground chicken with garlic powder salt and black pepper Mix well with your hands or a big spoon so everything is evenly seasoned Nothing should be clumping and you want flavorful bites throughout
- Spread Chicken on Tortillas:
- Lay out your tortillas flat Take a generous handful of the chicken mixture and gently press it onto the back of each tortilla pressing flat until you have a thin even layer going almost to the edges This helps the chicken crisp up later and stick to the tortilla
- Cook in Skillet:
- Heat a large skillet with a drizzle of avocado or neutral oil Keep it over medium high heat Place the tortillas chicken side down Press them lightly with a spatula Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about two to three minutes until golden and fully cooked through Flip the tortillas and toast the other side until the tortilla is crisp and slightly puffed
- Dress and Top:
- Finely slice the romaine lettuce If you want you can toss it with Caesar dressing in a bowl for even flavor or just drizzle directly onto cooked tacos Sprinkle with parmesan and beef bacon bits on top so every taco has a bit of everything
- Serve Your Crispy Tacos:
- Fold the tacos in half and bite in while still hot The combination of warm crispy chicken and cold creamy salad is what makes these so special
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Crunchy romaine is my favorite ingredient in these tacos because it keeps things fresh and light against the crispy and creamy elements My kids beg to help sprinkle on the parmesan and beef bacon bits so it turns into a fun assembly line in the kitchen
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet so it re crisps If you are prepping ahead keep the tortillas and salad components separate until ready to serve as this will keep everything from getting soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken with great results Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and parmesan works as a lighter Caesar option If you do not eat beef bacon try toasted sunflower seeds for crunch or use a vegetarian bacon alternative
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are filling on their own but pair really well with a simple side of cherry tomatoes or roasted potatoes For a fun twist try adding thinly sliced red onion or drizzle extra dressing on top Serve them straight from the skillet for max crisp
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you get the chicken layer crispy?
Pressing the ground chicken mixture thinly onto the tortilla and searing on a hot skillet ensures a crispy, golden exterior.
- → Can I use another type of lettuce?
Romaine adds crunch, but you can swap in iceberg or little gem for a similar texture and freshness.
- → What’s the best way to prevent soggy tacos?
Serve immediately after assembling and avoid overloading with dressing to keep the tacos crisp.
- → Are there cheese alternatives to parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or asiago both offer a salty, nutty bite and work well as a substitute for parmesan.
- → Is pre-cooked bacon an option?
Crispy pre-cooked bacon bits or freshly cooked strips both add great texture and smoky flavor on top.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free tortillas to enjoy these tacos without any wheat-based ingredients.