Print

Chicken Caesar Smashed Tacos

Chicken Caesar Smashed Tacos
Print Recipe

Chicken Caesar Smashed Tacos combine crispy seasoned chicken with fresh romaine lettuce and classic tangy Caesar dressing, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. This fusion dish delivers bold flavors and vibrant textures, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining that anyone can customize to their taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Crispy Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Flour or breadcrumbs, for coating
  • Olive oil, for frying or baking

Caesar Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Assembly

  • 2 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
  • Flour tortillas, 6-8 soft and pliable
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated (for sprinkling)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Coat each piece lightly in flour or breadcrumbs. Fry in hot olive oil until golden and crispy or bake in the oven until cooked through and crunchy on the outside. Let rest before slicing.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and optional anchovy paste. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Chop the Lettuce and Prep Toppings: Wash and finely chop fresh romaine lettuce. Grate additional Parmesan if desired. Slice any optional extras such as tomatoes or jalapeños in preparation for assembly.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Gently heat the flour tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave until soft and pliable to avoid tearing during assembly.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous spoonful of chopped lettuce on each tortilla. Add sliced crispy chicken on top, followed by a drizzle of Caesar dressing. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and finish with any additional toppings you prefer.

Notes

  • Chicken Thickness Matters: Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking and perfect crispiness.
  • Don’t Overload Tortillas: Use moderate fillings to avoid soggy or falling-apart tacos.
  • Make Dressing Fresh: Freshly prepared Caesar dressing enhances vibrant flavors.
  • Try Crisping Tortillas: Toast tortillas briefly on a skillet to keep them firm under the filling.
  • Rest the Chicken: Allow chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tacos, Caesar salad tacos, crispy chicken, smashed tacos, handheld Caesar salad, fusion tacos

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/chicken-caesar-smashed-tacos/