These Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos are everything you love about caesar salad – creamy dressing, crispy bacon, salty parmesan – wrapped up in a golden, cheesy tortilla. They’re fun to eat, super family-friendly, and a brilliant way to turn a weeknight into something that feels a little special.
Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
Cook the bacon – 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.
Toast the panko for the topping – 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.
Season the mince – In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into eight portions.
Assemble for smashing – 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.
Cook – Heat the same pan over medium–high heat. If the pan looks dry, add a little oil and remove the excess with a paper towel. 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.
Serve – 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.
Notes
Note 1 – The end result of the dressing will only be as good as the mayonnaise you choose. Make sure to use full-fat, whole-egg mayonnaise.
MAKE AHEAD
Caesar dressing – Make up to 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.Panko topping – Toast up to 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container (room temperature is fine for 2 days, but in the fridge if longer).Seasoned minced (ground) chicken – Mix and season a day ahead. Store, covered, in the fridge until ready to use.Tortilla assembly – Best done just before cooking, otherwise the tortillas can become soggy.
LEFTOVERS
Cooked tacos – Best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry frying pan or in the oven at 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) to crisp up the tortilla.Caesar dressing – Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Panko topping – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 3 days.Not suitable for freezing.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos
Amount per Serving
Calories
803
% Daily Value*
Fat
57
g
88
%
Saturated Fat
15
g
94
%
Trans Fat
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
22
g
Monounsaturated Fat
16
g
Cholesterol
144
mg
48
%
Sodium
2541
mg
110
%
Potassium
879
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
41
g
82
%
Vitamin A
3110
IU
62
%
Vitamin C
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
210
mg
21
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.