One bite of these Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos and you’ll be hooked by the delicious meld of flavors and textures—juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is a fantastic way to elevate taco night with a Caesar salad twist. The simplicity of preparing the ground chicken mixture and then smashing it on your griddle or stovetop creates a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with every component.
These tacos are perfect for casual weeknight dinners or entertaining friends on the weekend. You can prepare the ground chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy assembly later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The ground chicken is juicy and full of flavor.
- Crunchy romaine and croutons add a satisfying texture.
- The cooking process is quick and fun with the smash technique.
- Easy to customize with your favorite Caesar toppings.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to whip up your Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos.
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup white onion, shredded & moisture squeezed out
- 2-3 tbsp cold butter, shredded
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- kosher salt and ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup caesar dressing (more for serving)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shaved
For Serving
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6 street taco tortillas
- 6 provolone cheese slices
- 1/2 cup croutons, crushed
- parchment paper squares
- burger press
Consider adding more garlic or parmesan for extra flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground chicken can be replaced with turkey.
- Provolone can be swapped for mozzarella or cheddar.
- Use store-bought croutons for convenience.
- Any salad dressing can work in place of Caesar.
How to Make It
Follow these steps for delicious Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos.
1. Mix ingredients
Put all the chicken mixture ingredients in a large bowl and mix to fully combine.
2. Form balls
Divide the mixture into 6 equal-sized balls on a plate and place them in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to make them less sticky when smashing.
3. Combine salad
In a separate mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, and shaved parmesan. Mix to combine and set aside.
4. Prepare for cooking
Make sure your tortillas, salt, pepper, and provolone cheese slices are ready to bring out to the Blackstone griddle (or a large cast iron skillet). Timing is important, so having everything prepped is crucial.
5. Preheat griddle
Preheat the flat top griddle to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and spread it around the cooktop.
6. Smash patties
Place the frozen burger balls on the hot cooktop with a parchment sheet on top. Use the burger press to flatten the patties as much as you can. This should take about 15-20 seconds per patty. Let sit and cook for 40 seconds, seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Flip burgers and add cheese
Flip the burgers and place a slice of cheese on each one. Simultaneously, lay the tortillas on the cooktop next to the patties.
8. Toast tortillas
Close the lid and let the burgers cook for about 1-2 minutes. Open the lid and flip the tortillas to toast both sides.
9. Assemble tacos
Use a large spatula to lift the patties and place them on top of the toasted tortillas.
10. Add salad and serve
Add your desired amount of the chopped Caesar salad, crushed croutons, and any additional Caesar dressing and/or parmesan. Enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freezer: No, ingredients lose texture.
Reheat: Microwave tacos for 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
- Make sure the griddle is hot before placing the patties.
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste before smashing the patties.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of crispy fries or a fresh garden salad.
- Serve for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Great for taco night with family or friends.
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