Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/chicken-caesar-smash-tacos/
Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos Recipe
Italian-seasoned ground chicken gets pressed thin onto tortillas with a layer of Parmesan that melts into the crispiest golden crust, then you pile a fresh Caesar salad right on top. 30 minutes, one skillet, SO much flavor.
Servings: 4 servings (2 tacos per person)
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Smash Tacos
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning make sure it's salt-free!
- ¾ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 8 small flour tortillas street taco-size
- Avocado oil or other high smoke point oil
For the Caesar Salad Topping
- 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ¼ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup crushed croutons
Instructions
- Divide the ground chicken into 8 equal portions and roll into loose balls. Place one portion onto each tortilla and press it out evenly to the edges.1 pound ground chicken, 8 small flour tortillas
- In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the mixture evenly over the chicken on each tortilla and gently press it in so it adheres.1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Heat a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet lightly oiled with avocado oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 2-3 tortillas, chicken side down. Use a spatula to firmly press them into the pan.Avocado oil
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Parmesan forms a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 20-30 seconds, or until the tortillas are lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine, Caesar dressing, remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and crushed croutons. Toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.5 cups chopped romaine lettuce, ¼ cup Caesar dressing, ¼ cup crushed croutons
- Top each taco with the Caesar salad mixture and serve immediately.
Notes
- The key to a great Parmesan crust is medium heat and finely grated (not shredded) Parmesan. Press it into the chicken so it makes full contact with the skillet.
- For crunchier salad, use romaine hearts with sturdy, lighter-colored stalks. Toss the salad right before serving to prevent wilting.
- For homemade crushed croutons: toast ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs in 1 tablespoon butter with a pinch of seasoning until golden.
Nutrition
Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1470mg | Potassium: 871mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5306IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 309mg | Iron: 4mg
