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collage of photos highlighting how to make mcchicken smash tacos, first by spreading chicken on a tortilla, then smashing it in a pan, then topping it with crsipy lettuce and sauce
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High-Protein McChicken Smash Tacos

Crispy high-protein McChicken smash tacos made with seasoned ground chicken pressed onto tortillas, coated in breadcrumbs, and finished with a tangy yogurt sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken smash tacos, healthy mcchicken tacos, high protein chicken tacos, high protein tacos
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 tacos
Calories 328kcal
Author Chef Josh

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder or 1 teaspoon Dijon (optional)

For the Assembly

  • 4 6–8 inch tortillas (I like to use high protein variety)
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon oil for pan

For the Toppings

  • 1 cup Finely chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 4 wedges Lemon
  • 2 tablespoon finely grated parmesan (optional)

High-Protein McChicken Sauce

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 0% or 2%
  • 1 tablespoon light mayo optional
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoon tsp pickle juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Season: Mix 1 lb ground chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and optional mustard until fully combined.
  • Smash onto tortillas: Spread about ½ cup of chicken mixture onto each tortilla in a thin, even layer, going edge to edge.
    ground chicken being spread on a small tortilla in prep for the making of a crispy mcchicken smash taco
  • Coat: Press the chicken side of each tortilla into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
    a tortilla and ground chicken being coated in breadcrumbs in prep for the making of a crispy mcchicken smash taco
  • Cook (smash): Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Place tortillas breadcrumb side down and press firmly for 5–10 seconds.
    a tortilla, layered with ground chicken and bread crumbs, being smashed into an oiled pan for the making of a crispy mcchicken smash taco
  • Cook through: Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
    crispy chicken on a tortilla after being smashed in a pan, now ready for toppings, to finish the making of a crispy mcchicken smash taco
  • Flip: Flip and cook the tortilla side for 1–2 minutes until lightly crisp.
  • Build: Top with chopped lettuce, a drizzle of sauce, optional parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.
    a finished mcchicken smash taco, with crispy chicken, fresh crunchy lettuce, parmesan cheese, and a tangy yogurt sause drizzle

For the McChicken Sauce

  • Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and adjust to taste. You’re looking for something tangy, slightly salty, and balanced.

Notes

  • Keep the chicken layer thin. That’s what gives you the crispy texture and fast cook time.
  • Press early when the taco first hits the pan. That initial contact is what builds the crust.
  • If you want more color and flavor, mix a little paprika and salt into the breadcrumbs before coating.
  • The sauce is where you can adjust the flavor most. Add more pickle juice and salt if you want it sharper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 taco | Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 940mg | Potassium: 707mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg