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Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos

As Seen In 30-Minute Weeknight Meals.

These Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos are a delicious and easy meal, ready in just 30 minutes. Ground chicken is seasoned with lemon, garlic, and thyme, smashed onto mini tortillas, and pan-fried until golden. Topped with a crunchy Caesar salad made with crispy chickpeas, bacon, and a tangy dressing, these tacos are bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or party bites, they’re sure to be a hit. Serve with extra Caesar sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Sarah Recipes
Recipe by Sarah Sarah
Fresh from the Kitchen: Sat, 08 Feb 2025 21:04:51 GMT
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Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos | recipesaddicts.com

Transform two beloved favorites - Caesar salad and smash tacos - into one incredible fusion dish. Each crispy taco delivers the perfect combination of golden-brown chicken, crunchy romaine, savory bacon, and tangy Caesar dressing. This isn't just dinner; it's a creative culinary adventure that brings restaurant innovation right to your kitchen.

After discovering the smash taco trend, I knew a Caesar salad version would be magical. The way the lemony chicken crisps while the cool, crunchy salad adds freshness creates something truly special.

Essential Elements

  • Ground Chicken: Creates perfect smash base.
  • Mini Tortillas: Perfect hand-held size.
  • Romaine Lettuce: Adds classic crunch.
  • Bacon: Provides savory depth.
  • Parmesan: Essential Caesar flavor.
  • Miso Paste: Adds umami richness.
  • Fresh Chives: Bright finish.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Chicken Preparation
Season your ground chicken generously with lemon and spices for maximum flavor.
Perfect Assembly
Place your seasoned chicken on each tortilla, ready for the smash.
Golden Smashing
Press each taco firmly in the hot pan, creating a crispy, golden crust.
Dressing Creation
Whisk your Caesar components until they create the perfect creamy sauce.
Salad Integration
Toss your romaine with bacon, Parmesan, and crispy chickpeas just before serving.
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Delicious Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos | recipesaddicts.com

When I first made these for a weeknight dinner, my family was amazed by how quickly such a creative meal came together. Now they're regularly requested for both casual dinners and entertaining.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these tacos with extra Caesar dressing for dipping, crispy oven fries on the side, or a simple tomato soup for a complete meal.

Creative Variations

  • Transform these tacos by using ground turkey.
  • Add avocado for creaminess.
  • Incorporate different lettuces for variety.
  • Try adding cherry tomatoes or olives for more Mediterranean flair.

Storage Solutions

Prepare components separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook tacos fresh for the best results.

Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos Recipe Save for Later
Speedy Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos Recipe | recipesaddicts.com

These smash chicken Caesar tacos have become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights that still feel special. The combination of crispy chicken, fresh salad, and tangy dressing creates something truly memorable.

Through countless batches, I've learned that success lies in preparation and timing. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining friends, these tacos bring fun and flavor to any table.

Remember, great fusion food should honor both inspirations. Take care with each component, adjust seasonings to your taste, and most importantly, enjoy creating these innovative tacos that everyone will love.

Chicken Caesar Tacos

These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos combine lemony chicken, crispy chickpeas, and a tangy Caesar salad topping for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
Recipe by Sarah: Sarah

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Moderate

Style of Cooking: Mexican-American

Makes: 4 Serves (12 tacos)

Dietary Notes: ~

What You'll Need

→ For the Salad Topping

01 14oz/400g can of chickpeas, drained
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 4 slices of streaky bacon
05 1 Romaine lettuce, shredded
06 3 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced

→ For the Caesar Sauce

07 1/2 cup aioli or mayo
08 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra to serve)
09 1 teaspoon fish sauce
10 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 1 teaspoon white miso paste
12 Black pepper

→ For the Tacos

13 1lb/500g ground chicken
14 Zest of 1 lemon
15 1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 3 garlic cloves, crushed
17 1 teaspoon salt
18 2 teaspoons dried thyme
19 Handful of chives, finely chopped (plus more to serve)
20 Black pepper
21 12 mini tortillas

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Heat your oven to 430°F/220°C fan and line an oven tray with baking paper. Add your drained chickpeas to the lined tray, then pour over 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix to coat the chickpeas, then pop into the oven for 15 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 02

Add the chopped streaky bacon to a frying pan set over high heat, and cook until super crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 03

Add 1/2 cup of aioli, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of white miso paste, and a very good grind of black pepper to a small bowl. Mix well to combine into a cohesive sauce.

Step 04

Add the shredded Romaine, half the crispy chickpeas, crispy bacon, sliced scallions, and half of the Caesar dressing to a mixing bowl. Toss to combine.

Step 05

Add the ground chicken, lemon zest and juice, crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and a handful of chopped chives to a mixing bowl. Combine well, so that the seasoning is evenly dispersed throughout the chicken.

Step 06

Spread a heaped spoonful of the chicken mix onto each mini tortilla, and spread it into a thin, even layer.

Step 07

Set a large frying pan or skillet over high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place a topped tortilla, chicken side down, into the pan. Use a fish slice (or similar) to press the tortilla firmly into the pan. Cook for four minutes, then flip and cook for another minute on the other side. PRO TIP: Depending on the size of your pan, you should be able to cook several tacos at once.

Step 08

Spread a little of the reserved Caesar sauce on top of each taco, then top with the salad. Finish with the extra grated parmesan, chives, crispy chickpeas, and an extra dollop of Caesar sauce, then enjoy.

Cook's Notes

  1. STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Any leftovers will keep for 3-4 days, stored in the fridge. They will be soft after storing them in this way, but they’ll still be delicious. You can crisp up the bottom of the tacos on the stovetop for a few minutes if you like!
  2. PREP AHEAD: You can prepare the individual elements in advance, then just top and cook the tacos when you’re ready. The chicken mixture will keep for 3 days in the fridge. If you make the salad topping ahead of time, don’t mix the dressing through until you’re ready to serve, just to keep it nice and crunchy. You can top the tacos with the chicken 24 hours in advance, then store them in the fridge if you like. If you do, make sure you separate the tacos with parchment paper so they don’t stick.
  3. SERVING SUGGESTIONS: I like to serve the tacos with more of the Caesar salad on the side (and definitely the extra Caesar sauce for dipping!) You could also pair them with crispy oven fries, loaded potato wedges, crispy skin-on roast potatoes, or garlic butter potatoes.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Oven tray
  • Baking paper
  • Frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fish slice or spatula

Allergy Notes

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Dairy (parmesan cheese)
  • Gluten (tortillas)
  • Eggs (aioli or mayo)