This is one of those recipes that’s a little weird and unconventional, but it’s really delicious! It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and full of flavor. My kids devoured this like wolves. It’s really good.
You’ve probably heard of Caesar salad before. There are recipes and a variety of Caesar salad dressings on the site. These tacos combine these flavors for a crunchy, mouth-watering version. It’s best served fresh, but you can also mix the ingredients ahead of time for meal prep.
Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos
The traditional Caesar salad features a creamy dressing made with anchovies, garlic, and mustard. Crunchy romaine lettuce leaves and large croutons are also added. It’s definitely evolved over the years, but the taste and ingredients have stayed pretty much the same. And while I still love a good Caesar salad, these Smashed Chicken Caesar Tacos are a great twist on the classic.
Like most tacos, they use a tortilla shell as the base. You can use whatever you like, but I used organic flour tortillas. Almond flour, cassava flour, or other tortillas also work. Choose one that isn’t too large so it’s easy to flip.
Here’s a twist. Crumble the seasoned chicken mixture onto the tortillas and cook until golden and crispy. This packs some serious protein and adds delicious flavor. Season the chicken with a mixture of Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic, and onion.
Caesar dressing
What really makes a good Caesar salad is the dressing. Here’s a quick version and here’s a more traditional Caesar dressing. This recipe combines mayonnaise and yogurt to create a tangy, creamy dressing. Worcestershire sauce and anchovy paste add an earthy flavor. Lemon adds a refreshing and tangy taste, while herbs and Parmesan cheese add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Homemade mayonnaise is good for your health and easy to make, so I will use it often. Many times I’ll go buy the avocado oil mayonnaise from Primal Kitchen. Making your own mayonnaise and sauces is simple, but sometimes it’s easier for seven kids to just grab a pre-made jar. Thankfully, there are some pretty good mayonnaise options available in stores now. Thrive Market is another easy way to stock up on healthy pantry staples.
Get ahead
Once the tacos are cooked and assembled, they really taste best fresh. For easier meal prep, you can mix the chicken mixture and dressing ahead of time. I doubled the recipe and it was enough for two meals. The dressing tastes better after being stored in the refrigerator for a while to allow the flavors to combine better.
These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos are fresh, crunchy, and make for a well-balanced meal. Here’s how to make it:
Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos
All the flavor of a classic Caesar salad in a crunchy, protein-packed taco. It’s full of vegetables, healthy fats and really delicious!
To assemble the tacos
- 7 small tortillas (cassava flour, almond flour, sourdough or traditional flour tortillas)
- 1 TBSP butter (or ghee or avocado oil)
- 1 head romaine lettuce (finely chopped)
- Add parmesan cheese to serve
- fresh parsley (chopped)
In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard, anchovy paste, parsley, and pepper until smooth.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and refrigerate while you prepare the tacos. The flavor deepens as the dressing cools.
In a bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
To keep the chicken tender, do not overmix.
Spread about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, pressing into an even layer until it reaches the edges. If the chicken sticks to your hands, lightly oil your fingers or use parchment paper to press it.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter, ghee, or avocado oil.
Place the tacos, chicken side down, in the pan and cook until the chicken is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the tacos and reduce the heat slightly. Continue cooking until the tortillas are slightly crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining tacos.
Lightly sprinkle the Caesar dressing over the finely chopped romaine and mix well.
Top each taco with dressed romaine, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and additional dressing.
Eat right away while the chicken is crispy and the lettuce is cold and crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos
Serving size (1 taco)
calorie 475
Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
province 36g55%
9g saturated fat56%
Trans fat 0.2g
16g polyunsaturated fat
9g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 80mg27%
sodium 914mg40%
potassium 665mg19%
carbohydrate 20g7%
3g fiber13%
3g sugar3%
protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 7935IU159%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
calcium 190mg19%
steel 3mg17%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
For even more flavor, try adding bacon to the dressing!
What is your favorite taco filling? Let us know by leaving a comment!
