Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos combine the classic Caesar salad flavors with the fun of tacos. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a casual dinner or a get-together. The crunchy bacon, tender chicken, and crisp lettuce create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

Ingredients

⅔ cup (160 g) whole-egg mayonnaise (see note 1)
2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dijon mustard
½ tsp freshly minced garlic
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp sea salt flakes
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
4 slices streaky bacon (about 200 g/7 oz in total), chopped
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) chicken
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp sea salt flakes
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
8 small flour tortillas (15–20 cm/6–8 inch)
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
¼ tsp sea salt flakes
1 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
2 cups (120 g) shredded cos (romaine) lettuce
¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated parmesan

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium–high heat. Cook the bacon for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.
In the same pan over medium–low heat (wipe out any excess grease if needed), heat the olive oil and butter. Add the panko and salt and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the heat and stir through the parmesan. Set aside on a plate to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into eight portions.
Place a tortilla on a board and top with a portion of the chicken mince. Press down to spread the mince evenly to the edges of the tortilla. Repeat with the remaining chicken and tortillas.
Heat the same pan over medium–high heat. Place the tortilla, chicken-side down, in the pan. Press down firmly with a spatula for 20–30 seconds, then cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip and cook the plain tortilla side for 30 seconds–1 minute (it will brown quickly). Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Keep warm in a 140°C (275°F) (120°C/250°F fan-forced) oven if needed.
Toss the lettuce with the Caesar dressing. Top the tacos with the lettuce, crispy bacon, parmesan, and a sprinkle of crispy panko. Serve immediately with extra grated parmesan.

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

Serve these tacos warm, right after cooking. They are great on their own or paired with a side of extra Caesar dressing for dipping. You can also add some more fresh veggies or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Store Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

If you have leftovers, store the components separately in the fridge. Keep the tacos assembled for no longer than a couple of hours to ensure they remain crispy. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a pan before reassembling the tacos.

Tips to Make Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

Ensure the bacon is crispy for the best texture.
Use fresh ingredients for the dressing to enhance flavor.
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the tortillas, as this can make them soggy.

Variation

You can try using different proteins, such as turkey or even shrimp, to mix up the flavors. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or grilled vegetables as the filling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing if you prefer a quicker option. Just pour it over the lettuce before serving.

Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before assembling the tacos.

What else can I add to these tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.