I’ve made enough versions of smash tacos at this point to realize my favorite thing about them isn’t actually any one version.
It’s that once you know how to make them, you really don’t need a recipe.
I’ve tried them with ground beef, but I definitely prefer ground chicken or ground turkey. They’re leaner, I like the flavor better, and you can take them in pretty much any direction depending on what you have in the fridge.
My favorite is ground chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, dill pickles, and sriracha mayo. I also love a Greek version with tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta, and tzatziki.
But those are ideas, not rules.
Have BBQ sauce, cheddar, bacon bits, and red onion? Make a BBQ version. Caesar dressing and Parmesan? Chicken Caesar. Buffalo sauce and ranch? You get the idea.
Use what you have and make it yours.
My Two Favorite Smash Taco Combinations
Spicy Pickle
This is the one I make most often:
- Ground chicken or turkey
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Dill pickles
- Sriracha mayo
It’s fresh, crunchy, a little spicy, and so good.
Greek
For this version, I add dried oregano to the chicken or turkey along with my usual seasonings, then top it with:
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cucumber
- Olives
- Feta
- Tzatziki
If you already have Greek seasoning, you can use that instead of oregano.
A Few Tips Before You Start
Spread the meat thin and go all the way to the edges. I usually use a full size wrap and cover the entire surface with a thin, even layer.
Really press it down. I use a bacon press, but a spatula or the bottom of a small pot works too.
Season the meat in a bowl first. That way the seasoning is mixed throughout instead of just sitting on top.
Start with a hot pan. You want that good sizzle and browned exterior.
Ground Chicken Smash Tacos Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the smash tacos
- Ground chicken or ground turkey
- Flour tortillas or wraps
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Olive oil or avocado oil
For my spicy pickle version
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Finely diced red onion
- Chopped dill pickles
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Chop all toppings/add-ons
- Add the ground chicken or turkey to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder and mix well.
- Spread the seasoned meat in a very thin, even layer over one entire side of each tortilla or wrap, all the way to the edges.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat.
- Place the wrap meat side down and firmly press it into the pan using a bacon press, spatula, or the bottom of a small pot.
- Cook until the chicken or turkey is browned and fully cooked to 165°F.
- Flip and cook the tortilla side until lightly golden and crisp.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, dill pickles, and sriracha mayo.
- Fold and eat immediately.
Make It Greek
Add dried oregano to your chicken or turkey seasoning, or use Greek seasoning if you already have it. Cook exactly the same way, then top with tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta, and tzatziki.
And that’s really it.
Once you know the method, open the fridge and see what you can come up with. Sometimes making an everyday dinner a little more fun is as simple as taking one really good idea and making it your own.
Everyday Magic Travel With Catherine Savvides
Hi, I’m Catherine! I’m a mom, Disney expert, and travel advisor behind Everyday Magic Travel. With 100+ Disney trips under my belt, I know how magical these vacations can be and how overwhelming planning one can feel!
I help families spend less time stressing over the details and more time making memories together. Whether you’re dreaming of a Walt Disney World vacation, setting sail with Disney Cruise Line, or planning your next family adventure, I’m here to make the process a whole lot easier.
Ready to make some magic? I’d love to help you plan a vacation your family will be talking about for years to come!
