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Chicken parm tacos on a platter with basil pesto.
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Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana Smash Tacos

Classic chicken parmigiana meets smash tacos, and it's very much a match made in heaven. Think juicy parmesan ground chicken, crispy tortillas, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella, all in one gorgeous handheld bite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken parm tacos, smash tacos
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken topping -

  • 1 lb ground chicken (500g)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper
  • 12 mini tortillas
  • Olive oil for cooking

For the taco toppings -

  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or a 6oz/170g mozzarella ball, sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh basil pesto optional
  • Extra grated parmesan
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  • Mix the chicken topping. Add the ground chicken to a mixing bowl, along with 1 tablespoon dried oregano, the crushed garlic, ¼ cup grated parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, and a very good grind of black pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Press the chicken onto your tortillas. Scoop up a heaped tablespoon of the chicken mixture and press it onto a mini tortilla. Use the back of your spoon to smooth it into a thin, even layer, going right to the edges of the tortilla. Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture and tortillas.
  • Cook the smash tacos. Set a large frying pan or skillet over high heat, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Place a topped taco, chicken side down, into the pan. Use a flat spatula or fish slice to really 'smash' the taco into the pan - this helps the chicken stick to the tortilla and cook quickly. Cook for about four minutes. Depending on the size of your pan, you should be able to cook a few tacos at once.
  • Add the sauce and cheese. Flip the taco over (the chicken should be nicely golden). Spoon a couple of spoonfuls of your marinara or pizza sauce onto the chicken, smoothing it all over. Add a little mozzarella, then cover the pan with a lid (use a wooden board or plate if you don't have a lid), then leave it for a minute or two, just until the cheese melts. 
  • Garnish and serve. Remove the tacos from the pan, then sprinkle with extra parmesan, fresh basil, a drizzle of pesto if you're using it, and a good grind of black pepper. Serve while lovely and hot, and when the cheese is nice and melty.

Notes

HOW TO AVOID SOGGY TACOS: It's important to use a marinara or pizza sauce that isn't too watery - you want it quite thick. And don't add too much sauce - a few little spoonfuls to make a thin layer is fine here.
INGREDIENT NOTES: You could swap the ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or a plant-based alternative. Use shredded mozzarella, or a sliced mozzarella ball, both work fine. If you're slicing your mozzarella, keep the slices nice and thin so they melt quickly.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS: You could scatter chopped olives, pickled jalapenos, or finely diced red onion on top of your taco to serve, or add a little rocket. A drizzle of chili crisp, chili oil, or red pepper flakes is a lovely addition, too. 
NUTRITION NOTE: The below is an estimate - it will vary depending on the marinara or pizza sauce you use, the amount of mozzarella you use, and the tortillas.

Nutrition

Serving: 3tacos | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 900mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g