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Chicken Parmesan Smash Tacos Recipe

These Chicken Parmesan Smash Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Italian flavors. An easy 30-minute meal that’s fun, fresh, and totally crave-worthy!

Side angle of chicken parm smash tacos on a small white plate with fresh arugula on top.

CHICKEN PARMESAN SMASH TACOS

You already know I’m obsessed with smash tacos — but baby, these Chicken Parmesan Smash Tacos might be my new personality.

Think crispy, juicy chicken seasoned with all those Italian herbs, smashed onto a tortilla, cooked golden and bubbly, then smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella. 

Oh, and just when you think it can’t get better — we load it up with fresh basil, peppery arugula, and extra parmesan because we are not here to be subtle.

This recipe takes everything you love about chicken parm — the juicy meat, the cheesy top, the saucy goodness — and flips it into a handheld crispy taco situation that’s done in under 30 minutes. It’s fast, ridiculously satisfying, and one of those meals you make once… and immediately want again the next night.

Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving something a little extra without having to bust out a full breading station. Plus, they’re totally customizable — you can go spicy, cheesy, herby, whatever mood you’re in.

Get ready to crush these. And maybe grab some extra napkins. It’s about to get saucy.

If you love smash taco recipes you may also enjoy my Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos or my Greek Chicken Smash Tacos.

Top down view of chicken parmesan smash tacos with fresh arugula.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CHICKEN PARMESAN SMASH TACOS

These smash tacos are everything you love about chicken parmesan — crispy chicken, gooey cheese, flavorful marinara — but easier, faster, and way more fun. 

They’re packed with bold Italian flavors, take less than 30 minutes to whip up, and deliver that perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness in every single bite. Plus, no messy breading stations required!

Top down view of raw chicken on 2 tortilla shells on large white plate.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHICKEN PARM SMASH TACOS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this quick weeknight dinner (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Ground chicken – Lean, juicy, and cooks quickly. Sub: Ground turkey or ground beef if you prefer.

  • Garlic powder – Adds bold savory flavor. Sub: Fresh minced garlic if you want even more punch.

  • Oregano – Classic herb for that Italian flavor.

  • Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs. Sub: A homemade mix of oregano, basil, and rosemary.

  • Salt and black pepper

  • Small flour tortillas – The smash taco base. Sub: Gluten-free tortillas or low-carb wraps if needed.

  • Marinara sauce – Sweet, savory sauce for topping. Sub: Pizza sauce or homemade tomato sauce.

  • Mozzarella cheese – Melty and stretchy perfection. Sub: Provolone or a mozzarella/provolone blend.

  • Fresh basil – Adds a fresh, herby pop.

  • Arugula – Peppery greens for balance. Sub: Baby spinach if you’re not a fan of arugula.

  • Parmesan cheese – For that final salty, nutty finish. Sub: Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper kick.

  • Optional – red pepper flakes, hot honey, fresh spinach, olive oil, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE CHICKEN PARM SMASH BURGER TACO

In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until combined.

Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned chicken onto the back of each tortilla, pressing down firmly to stick.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of avocado oil. Place the tortillas chicken-side down and cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.

Side view of a tortilla with chicken in a frying pan.

Flip the tortillas carefully, spoon a bit of marinara sauce over the cooked chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and cover the pan to let the cheese melt while the tortilla crisps on the bottom.

Side angle of chicken part smash burger taco in a frying pan.

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the skillet.

Top each taco with fresh basil, a handful of arugula, and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Fold, bite, and prepare to fall in love.

STORING LEFTOVER CHICKEN PARMESAN SMASH TACOS

These tacos are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. 

Reheat them in a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crispiness — microwave will make them a little soft but still delicious.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Press the chicken down firmly so it sticks to the tortilla and cooks evenly.

  • Don’t overload with marinara — just a thin layer keeps the tacos crispy and not soggy.

  • Cover the skillet after flipping to trap steam and melt the cheese faster.

  • Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

  • Customize with spicy marinara or crushed red pepper if you love a little heat.

Top down view of a high protein dinner on a small white plate.

FAQS

CAN I FREEZE THESE CHICKEN PARM TACOS?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing once assembled. But you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and quickly smash and finish them later.

WHAT’S THE BEST CHEESE TO USE FOR THESE CHICKEN TACOS?

Mozzarella for that classic chicken parm vibe, but provolone or a mozzarella/provolone mix would be amazing too.

HOW SPICY ARE THESE?

Not spicy at all — unless you use a spicy marinara or add some chili flakes!

CAN I USE GROUND TURKEY INSTEAD OF GROUND CHICKEN IN THE PARMESAN SMASHED TACO?

Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly if that’s what you have on hand or prefer a leaner option.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THE CHICKEN PARMESAN SMASH TACOS WARM FOR A CROWD?

Place cooked tacos on a baking sheet lined with a piece of parchment paper and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.

Other Easy And Healthy Recipes For Dinner You May Want To Try!

Yield: 8 tacos

Chicken Parmesan Smash Tacos Recipe

Side angle of chicken parm smash tacos on a small white plate with fresh arugula on top.

These Chicken Parmesan Smash Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Italian flavors. An easy 30-minute meal that’s fun, fresh, and totally crave-worthy!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500g ground chicken
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 2/3 cup marinara
  • 8 slices mozarella cheese
  • 6 basil leaves
  • 4 handfuls fresh arugula
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned chicken onto the back of each tortilla, pressing down firmly to stick.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of avocado oil. Place the tortillas chicken-side down and cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Flip the tortillas carefully, spoon a bit of marinara sauce over the cooked chicken, then add mozzarella cheese, and cover the pan to let the cheese melt while the tortilla crisps on the bottom. This will take 1-2 minutes.
  5. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the skillet.
  6. Top each taco with fresh basil, a handful of arugula (can toss in avocado oil, salt, and pepper and massage beforehand), and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
  7. Fold, bite, and prepare to fall in love.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 325Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 571mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU MAKE THESE SMASH BURGER TACOS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY DINNER RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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