Chicken Shawarma Smashed Tacos
Crispy chicken shawarma smashed tacos made with warmly spiced ground chicken, fresh cucumber-tomato salad, and creamy homemade tzatziki. An easy, protein-packed meal with plenty of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma Tacos
- * 4 high-fiber tortillas or wraps
- * 1 pound ground chicken
- * 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- * 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- * 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- * 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- * 1 teaspoon salt
- * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- * 1 tablespoon olive oil
- * 1/2 lemon juiced
For the Salad
- * 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- * 2 mini cucumbers sliced
- * 1 cup lettuce shredded
For the Homemade Tzatziki
- * 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- * 1/2 cup cucumber finely grated
- * 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- * 1 garlic clove grated
- * 1/4 teaspoon salt
- * 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Add the ground chicken, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to a bowl and mix until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Tacos: Divide the seasoned chicken evenly among the tortillas and press it into a thin, even layer over one side of each tortilla, spreading it close to the edges.
- Cook the Tacos: Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat and place the tortillas chicken-side down in the pan, working in batches as needed. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Crisp the Tortillas: Flip each taco and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until the tortilla is lightly crisped, then transfer to a plate.
- Make the Tzatziki: Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill in a medium bowl and stir until well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Top the chicken shawarma tacos with sliced cucumber, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a generous drizzle or spoonful of tzatziki, then serve immediately.
Notes
* Shortcut option: You can replace the individual spices with a shawarma seasoning blend. Start with about 1 1/2–2 tablespoons and adjust based on the sodium level of the blend.
* Tzatziki texture: For a thicker tzatziki, squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber before mixing it into the yogurt.
* Cooking tip: Press the chicken into a thin, even layer so it cooks through quickly and stays attached to the tortilla.
* Food safety: Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. * Use HERO tortillas for best high fiber tortilla
* Serving suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking so the tortilla stays crisp.
* Cooking tip: Press the chicken into a thin, even layer so it cooks through quickly and stays attached to the tortilla.
* Food safety: Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. * Use HERO tortillas for best high fiber tortilla
* Serving suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking so the tortilla stays crisp.