Before you smash, sizzle, and stack, here are a few handy picks that make these tacos come together faster — and tastier. Some are even on sale now, so it’s the perfect time to shop smart for taco night.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Love:
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Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle – key for that crispy, caramelized crust – Shop now
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Burger Press or Sturdy Spatula – makes smashing effortless – Get the deal
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Nonstick Tongs – flip without breaking your patties – Grab one here
Flavor & Filling Staples:
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Ground Chicken (93–96% lean) – juicy and smashable – Buy now
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Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder – smoky-sweet backbone – See price
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Cottage Cheese – creamy, protein-packed swap for mayo – Get it here
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Dill Pickles & Shredded Cabbage – crunch + briny tang – Stock up
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Small Tortillas – soft, flexible, taco-ready – Shop now
Hot skillet, crispy edges, creamy slaw — these little helpers guarantee taco night success.
Why You’ll Love These Smash Chicken Tacos
These smash chicken tacos deliver the sizzle and crust of a diner-style smash burger in a lighter, taco-friendly format. Ground chicken gets pressed thin on a ripping-hot skillet for crisp, caramelized edges, then tucked into soft tortillas with a creamy cottage cheese dill pickle slaw. The result is tangy, crunchy, juicy, and incredibly satisfying.
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Big flavor, minimal ingredients, weeknight-fast
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High protein per taco with cottage cheese for extra creaminess
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Crunchy-dill slaw that balances the smoky sear of the chicken
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Cook on a griddle, cast-iron, or nonstick pan—no grill required
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Meal-prep friendly components and easy to scale for a crowd
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Naturally gluten-free with corn tortillas and low-carb if you choose low-carb wraps
Ingredient Highlights
Ground Chicken: Juicy, Smashable Protein
Ground chicken is lean yet flavorful when seasoned well and smashed thin. Pressing the meat creates more contact with the pan, yielding crispy edges and a savory crust that stands up to the creamy slaw. Choose 93–96% lean for the best balance of moisture and browning.
Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder: Simple, Smoky Backbone
A small spice blend goes a long way here. Smoked paprika adds a grilled note without lighting a flame, while garlic powder seasons evenly so every bite tastes cohesive.
Cottage Cheese: Creamy Tang with Extra Protein
Cottage cheese is the secret to a luscious slaw without mayo. It’s thick, mildly tangy, and brings a boost of protein. A quick stir breaks the curds into a sauce that clings to the cabbage.
Dill Pickles and Cabbage: Crunch and Brightness
Chopped dill pickles offer briny bite that cuts through richness. Finely shredded cabbage adds fresh crunch and keeps the tacos from feeling heavy.
Tortillas and Olive Oil: Toasty Carrier and Searing Power
A slick of olive oil helps the chicken crisp. Lightly blistered tortillas add toasty flavor and a flexible texture that cradles fillings without cracking.
Ingredients List
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for slaw
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 cup finely shredded cabbage
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1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
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1/2 cup cottage cheese
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6 small tortillas (flour or corn)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Optional Add-Ins or Swaps
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Pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for heat
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1 tablespoon pickle brine in the slaw for extra tang
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Chopped fresh dill or parsley for herbs
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Swap half the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for extra tang
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Use ground turkey if preferred
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Season the chicken. In a bowl, mix ground chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Form 6 loose balls; do not compact tightly.
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Preheat the pan. Heat a large cast-iron or heavy nonstick skillet over high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
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Smash and sear. Place 2–3 balls in the hot pan. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, press each ball into a thin patty about 4 to 5 inches wide. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until edges are deeply browned. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining patties.
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Make the slaw. In a bowl, stir cottage cheese until creamy. Fold in chopped dill pickles and shredded cabbage. Season with a pinch of salt and a splash of pickle brine if desired.
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Warm the tortillas. Toast tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet until pliable and lightly charred.
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Build the tacos. Add one smash chicken patty to each tortilla. Top with a generous mound of cottage cheese dill pickle slaw. Finish with a drizzle of pickle brine for extra punch if you like.
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Serve immediately. The contrast of hot, crispy chicken and cool, creamy slaw is best right away.
Nutrition info (per taco): 18 g protein | 9 g fat | 16 g carbs
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Smash while the pan is very hot to create a crisp, browned crust without overcooking the interior
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Use a sheet of parchment between meat and spatula if sticking; peel it off after the initial press
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Season the exterior lightly with salt after smashing to boost flavor on the crust
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Chop cabbage finely so the slaw nestles into the taco instead of falling out
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Warm tortillas just before assembling to keep them supple and prevent tearing
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If cooking in batches, keep patties on a wire rack over a sheet pan in a low oven so they stay crisp
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For extra-juicy patties, mix in 1 teaspoon olive oil or a tablespoon of cottage cheese before forming balls
Variations to Try
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Spicy Smash Tacos: Add chipotle powder or jalapeños to the chicken mix for smoky heat.
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Tex-Mex Twist: Top with shredded cheddar, salsa, and avocado instead of slaw.
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Buffalo Ranch Style: Toss patties in buffalo sauce and swap dill pickle slaw for ranch-dressed slaw.
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Greek-Inspired: Use ground turkey, add oregano to the meat, and swap pickles for cucumber in the slaw.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter version.
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These tacos are versatile and can be plated in several creative ways.
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Classic Taco Night: Pair with tortilla chips and salsa or Mexican rice.
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Party Platter: Serve mini tortillas with smaller patties for appetizer-size tacos.
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Meal Prep Bowls: Layer smashed chicken, slaw, and extra veggies over rice or quinoa.
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Family Style: Keep patties and slaw separate so everyone can build their own tacos.
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Picnic Lunch: Pack tacos in foil and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store cooked patties and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Patties can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag. Keep up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet or oven until heated through. Tortillas can be quickly warmed in a dry skillet. Add fresh slaw right before serving.
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Meal Prep Tip: Assemble tacos just before eating to prevent tortillas from softening.
Why Smash Technique Works So Well
The smash method, made famous by diners and smash burgers, creates maximum surface area contact between meat and hot pan. This leads to the Maillard reaction—a flavorful browning process that makes the chicken taste more savory and complex. With ground chicken’s naturally mild flavor, smashing transforms it into something deeply satisfying while keeping the center juicy.
Cottage Cheese as a Smart Swap
Using cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise or sour cream in slaw boosts protein and cuts down on fat. It also provides a light tang and creamy texture without heaviness. When stirred with chopped pickles, it mimics the richness of tartar sauce or ranch but with added nutritional benefits. This makes the tacos not only indulgent but also a better option for balanced eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken? Yes, though it will be richer and higher in fat. Smash cooking works well with beef.
Is cottage cheese necessary for the slaw? No, but it adds protein and creaminess. You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Can I grill these instead of using a skillet? The smash effect won’t be the same on a grill, but you can cook patties flat on a griddle placed over the grill grates.
Do these tacos taste strongly of pickles? The pickle flavor is present but balanced by cabbage and chicken. Adjust pickle amount to preference.
What tortillas work best? Small flour tortillas are flexible and hold up well. Corn tortillas add authentic flavor but may crack unless double-layered.
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Smash Chicken Tacos with Cottage Cheese Dill Pickle Slaw are bold, crunchy, and crave-worthy—a true weeknight winner that combines classic diner techniques with taco night fun. The smoky, crisp-edged chicken paired with tangy, creamy slaw makes every bite a balance of hot and cold, savory and briny, crunchy and soft. They’re easy to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Try them once, and they’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your taco rotation.
Print
Smash Chicken Tacos with Cottage Cheese Dill Pickle Slaw
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Description
High-protein smash chicken tacos topped with a creamy cottage cheese dill pickle slaw. Crispy edges, tangy crunch, and ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2–3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 6 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1 tbsp pickle brine, chopped fresh dill or parsley
Instructions
- Mix chicken with paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper; form 6 loose balls.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet on high. Add 2–3 balls; smash thin (4–5 inches). Cook 2–3 minutes until browned; flip and cook 1–2 minutes more. Repeat.
- Stir cottage cheese until creamy; fold in pickles and cabbage. Season with a pinch of salt and optional pickle brine.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame until pliable.
- Build tacos: 1 patty per tortilla, top with generous dill pickle slaw. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Smash while the pan is very hot for a crisp crust.
- Use parchment between spatula and meat if sticking.
- Add chipotle or cayenne for heat.
- Swap ground turkey if preferred.
- Keep patties and slaw separate for meal prep; assemble just before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 217
- Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 18 g
Keywords: smash chicken tacos, cottage cheese slaw, dill pickle slaw, high protein tacos, weeknight dinner
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