chicken caesar smash tacos recipe

chicken caesar smash tacos recipe

The Best chicken caesar smash tacos recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you all, it’s one of my family’s absolute favorites. Chicken Caesar smash tacos are a twist on traditional tacos, but still pack all the flavors and textures we love. The combination of crispy chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing on a soft flour tortilla is absolute perfection.

My kids can’t get enough of this dish, and I love how easy it is to make for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some veggies – who knew lettuce could be so delicious? I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress.

Whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck, I promise you’ll be the talk of the town with these tasty tacos. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make – just grill up some chicken, chop up some lettuce, and assemble everything in a tortilla.

Voila! Dinner is served. And if you’re worried about the calories, don’t be – this recipe is surprisingly healthy considering how rich it tastes.

The key is using lean chicken breast and keeping the portion sizes in check. Trust me, you won’t even miss the extra cheese (although feel free to add it if you’re feeling extra fancy). This recipe has been a staple in our house for years now, and I’m so glad I can finally share it with you all.

Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

4.9 from 1424 votes

Crispy smashed chicken thighs are seasoned with Caesar-inspired flavors and served in warm corn tortillas. Topped with a quick homemade Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, and crunchy romaine, these tacos are a fun twist on a classic salad.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Smash Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Dressing

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp water (to thin)

For the Tacos

8 small corn tortillas (6-inch)
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3Place the chicken thighs on the prepared sheet, leaving space between each piece.
4Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top.
6Place a second sheet of parchment over the chicken, then use a heavy skillet to press each thigh flat to about 1/2-inch thickness.
7Remove the top parchment.
8Bake the smashed chicken for 15 minutes, then flip each piece with tongs.
9Continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10While the chicken bakes, make the dressing.
11In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
12Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dressing is pourable.
Set aside.
13Warm the tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side, until lightly charred and pliable.
14Keep them wrapped in a clean towel.
15To assemble, place a generous spoonful of Caesar dressing on each tortilla.
16Top with shredded romaine, then a piece of smashed chicken.
17Finish with shaved Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Heavy skillet or flat-bottomed pan
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, let the smashed chicken rest for 2 minutes after baking before slicing. You can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise in the dressing for a lighter option.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Works

These chicken Caesar smash tacos are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and packed with nutrients from that fresh lettuce and lean chicken breast.

To store leftovers safely, keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of cooking and consume within three days. For reheating ideas, try tossing them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through – or simply reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

Q: What’s the origin of this dish?

Chicken Caesar smash tacos are a modern twist on traditional tacos, but they owe their roots to classic Italian cuisine – specifically, the Caesar salad. By combining the flavors of that iconic salad with the fun of tacos, we’ve created something entirely new yet still familiar.

Q: How do I make sure my chicken is cooked through?

To ensure your chicken is cooked through without drying it out, be sure to pound it thin before grilling or cooking it in a pan. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperatures – 165°F should do the trick.

Q: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Of course! If you’re short on time or prefer not to make your own dressing from scratch, store-bought is perfectly fine. Just be aware that it may contain added preservatives or sugars.

Q: What if I don’t like romaine lettuce?

No worries! Feel free to substitute with your favorite leafy green – spinach or arugula would both work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

While assembly isn’t recommended ahead of time due to moisture issues (you don’t want soggy lettuce!), you can prep individual components like grilled chicken or chopped lettuce in advance for easier assembly later.

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