Simple crispy chicken caesar smash tacos that add variety to family dinner

SALT LAKE CITY —It's a mash up you didn't see coming, but it's one you'll want to try. These crispy chicken caesar smash tacos will add some variety to your family dinners. Chef Jeff from Smith's Food and Drug, prepared crispy chicken caesar smash tacos, perfect for family dinner. "The beauty of cooking is that it doesn't matter, just whatever tastes good to you," Jeff said.

Crispy Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

INGREDIENTS

Cripsy Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos

•  1 pound ground chicken
• 6 small flour tortillas
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1–2 tablespoon neutral oil

Caesar Salad

• 3 cups shredded romaine
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup caesar dressing
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Toppings

• 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• Extra shaved parmesan
• Lemon wedges
• Optional chopped parsley or chives

Method

Prepare the Caesar Salad

1. In a bowl combine romaine, parmesan, caesar dressing, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
2. Toss until lightly coated and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl combine ground chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Divide into 6 equal portions.

Smash the Tacos

1. Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil.
2. Place tortillas onto the hot griddle.
3. Immediately press a portion of seasoned chicken onto the TOP side of each tortilla, spreading evenly to the edges.
4. Carefully flip so the chicken side is directly against the griddle.
5. Cook 3–4 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.

Finish the Tacos

1. Flip tacos back over tortilla-side down and cook another 1–2 minutes until tortillas are lightly crisped and chicken is fully cooked.
2. Top with Caesar salad.
3. Sprinkle with crispy bacon and extra parmesan.
4. Finish with fresh cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

NOTES

Use a burger press or spatula with parchment paper for easy smashing. Don’t overload the Caesar salad or the tacos lose crispness. Finish with fresh lemon right before serving for the best flavor and brightness. Pre-cook the bacon ahead of time for easy assembly.