why make this recipe
This recipe makes a fast and tasty meal. It uses cooked chicken and simple pantry ingredients. It is great for busy nights or a quick lunch. If you like quick chicken ideas, try the easy air fryer chicken sausage and peppers for another fast option.
introduction
Easy Chicken Smash Tacos are simple and quick. You can use leftover cooked chicken. The flavors are mild and many people like them. This is a good recipe when you want a meal in minutes. For a different quick chicken dish, see the easy chicken crack slaw.
how to make Easy Chicken Smash Tacos
Follow the steps below. Use cooked, shredded chicken. Heat the sauce and mix it with chicken. Warm the shells or lettuce. Add cheese and serve right away.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Lettuce leaves or taco shells
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions :
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and garlic powder, season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and cook until heated through.
- In a separate skillet, heat taco shells or lettuce leaves until warm.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into the taco shells.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
how to serve Easy Chicken Smash Tacos
Serve them hot on a plate. Add salsa, extra cheese, or a squeeze of lime if you like. You can use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Leftover chicken works well, and you can also use the chicken in the easy chicken noodle soup for another meal.
how to store Easy Chicken Smash Tacos
Cool the chicken filling first. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat the filling in a pan until hot. Keep shells or lettuce separate if you plan to reuse them.
tips to make Easy Chicken Smash Tacos
- Use warm marinara to melt the cheese faster.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie for speed.
- If you want more flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or cumin.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced olives or chopped tomatoes.
- Use salsa instead of marinara for a different taste.
- Try shredded cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: No. This recipe uses cooked chicken. Cook and shred chicken first.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Use lettuce leaves or gluten-free taco shells.
Q: How long does the filling last?
A: In the fridge, the filling lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze the filling?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
If you want another take on smash-style chicken tacos, see this Smash Chicken Tacos – A Seasoned Greeting for more ideas and tips.
Print
Easy Chicken Smash Tacos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Protein-Packed
Description
Quick and tasty tacos made with cooked chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Lettuce leaves or taco shells
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and garlic powder, season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and cook until heated through.
- In a separate skillet, heat taco shells or lettuce leaves until warm.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into the taco shells.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can add extra flavors like chili flakes or cumin. Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, quick recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, easy chicken recipe