Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos
- The perfect fusion of classic Caesar salad and Mexican tacos.
- Seasoned chicken, crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
- A 20-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 tacos (2 servings) 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup crushed croutons (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 medium avocado, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken strips with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- While chicken cooks, warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet, pressing gently with a spatula for 30 seconds on each side to create the ‘smash’ effect.
- Once chicken is cooked, reduce heat to low. Add lemon juice to deglaze the pan, then remove from heat.
- Toss cooked chicken with 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Assemble tacos by spreading a small amount of remaining dressing on each tortilla.
- Add a layer of shredded lettuce to each tortilla, followed by the dressed chicken.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and any optional toppings like crushed croutons, tomatoes, red onion, or avocado.
- Gently press down on each assembled taco with a spatula before serving.
- Serve immediately with extra Caesar dressing and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
- Make ahead: prepare the seasoned chicken up to 2 days in advance, but wait to toss with dressing until serving.
- For extra crispy tortillas, briefly char them over an open flame before pressing.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 95
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